Mike Harman

Mike Harman serves as Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Briar Cliff University (BCU), a position he assumed in June 2023 after joining the faculty in 2018. He concurrently directs the pro bono Behavior Analysis Clinic, providing students with frontline clinical experience in applied behavior analysis.

Harman earned his undergraduate psychology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and completed his master's and doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In fall 2022, he received the Recent Alumni Achievement Award from UW-Superior, nominated by his former professor Eleni Pinnow.

His academic focus centers on understanding human motivation and behavioral drivers, emphasizing scientific analysis of why individuals think and act as they do. The Psychology Department under his leadership—BCU's largest academic unit with approximately 50 majors—offers dedicated programs in both psychology and behavior analysis, preparing students for diverse career paths through dual-major combinations in business, law enforcement, and education.

Scientific Awards:

• Recent Alumni Achievement Award (University of Wisconsin-Superior, 2022)

Harman prioritizes relational teaching grounded in care and passion, believing students ultimately remember how educators made them feel rather than specific course content. He mentors numerous students transitioning to graduate programs in counseling, social work, and psychology, with BCU graduates consistently gaining acceptance into advanced degree programs. His departmental vision focuses on developing scientifically-minded graduates who analyze human behavior through evidence-based frameworks while gaining practical clinic experience.