Jennifer E. Vitale

Dr. Jennifer E. Vitale serves as Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean of the Faculty at Hampden-Sydney College. She joined the institution in 2006 as the William W. Elliott Assistant Professor of Psychology and has held critical leadership roles including Department Chair, Director of the Honors Program, and Director of the college's Quality Enhancement Plan.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.A. in Psychology from Pomona College (1996, Phi Beta Kappa)
• M.S. in Clinical Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1999)
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2002)

Dr. Vitale's research specializes in criminal psychopathy with emphasis on gender-based expression patterns and underlying cognitive-emotional mechanisms. Her scholarship appears in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Neuropsychology, Aggressive Behavior, and Criminal Justice and Behavior, alongside co-authored book chapters on psychopathy and criminal behavior.

Her distinguished service includes:

• 2009 Cabell Award for Excellence in Teaching
• 2014 Thomas Edward Crawley Award for distinguished service to Hampden-Sydney College

She teaches Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Sport Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Psychology and Law while serving on Promotion and Tenure, Professional Development, and Admissions committees. As Associate Dean of the Faculty, she spearheads academic strategy and student success initiatives including the Committee on Student Success and Retention.