Corinne L. McNamara

Corinne L. McNamara serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychological Science at Kennesaw State University, where she leads academic initiatives while maintaining an active research program focused on interpersonal violence and trauma-informed leadership. Her dual expertise bridges psychological science with practical applications in campus safety and academic administration.

Her educational foundation includes:

• PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Mississippi
• MA in Neuroscience from Baylor University
• BA in Psychology from the University of Mississippi

Dr. McNamara's research program centers on interpersonal violence dynamics among college populations, particularly examining stalking, harassment, and sexual assault. She investigates societal norms affecting victimization acknowledgment, reporting behaviors, and prevention strategies through collaborative state-level evaluations in Georgia. Her secondary specialization in trauma-informed leadership applies psychological principles to academic administration, emphasizing context-aware, evidence-based approaches that prioritize community well-being and organizational resilience. This work extends to developing frameworks for contingent faculty onboarding and administrative change management.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2003-2025) reveals an evolutionary trajectory from foundational neuroscience research toward applied violence prevention and leadership innovation. Early work focused on physiological stress responses and educational psychology, while her contemporary scholarship demonstrates increasing specialization in campus violence dynamics and trauma-responsive administration. Her interdisciplinary approach consistently integrates psychological theory with public health and educational policy perspectives.

As an educator, she teaches core psychology courses including Introduction to General Psychology (Honors), Research Methods, Physiological Psychology, and the Psychology of Love, while leading study abroad programs in Scotland, Italy, and France. Her student-centered research methodology actively involves undergraduates throughout the research process, fostering experiential learning and professional development. Dr. McNamara's leadership extends to her role as 2020 HERS Institute alum and Department Chair, where she implements evidence-based practices for departmental management and faculty development.