About
Mary Utley is Professor of Psychology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Drury University, where she has been a faculty member since 2002. She previously served as department chair at Lindenwood University and Drury University (2002-2006), and helped develop the Center for Leadership Studies at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Her educational background includes:
- B.A. from St. Louis University (1980)
- M.A. from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (1984)
- M.B.A. from Lindenwood University (1999)
- Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (1989)
Dr. Utley's research centers on interpersonal processes across social and industrial/organizational psychology. Her work investigates conflict management, friendship dynamics, ambivalence, relationship development trajectories, leadership paradigms, and gender differences/similarities. She publishes in top-tier journals including Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin and Personality and Individual Differences while serving as contributing editor for the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research.
Her scientific awards include:
- Governor’s Teaching Award (1997)
- Faculty Advising Award (2008)
Dr. Utley maintains an intensive advising practice, mentoring 6-8 undergraduate research projects per semester through Drury's research experience program. She serves as faculty advisor for Psi Chi (national psychology honor society) and the Behavioral Sciences Club, emphasizing hands-on research training where students 'scientifically explore psychological issues.' Her teaching philosophy focuses on sparking student research interest through classroom engagement and hypothesis generation.
