Susan L. O'Donnell

Susan L. O'Donnell serves as Professor of Psychology at George Fox University, where she has taught since 2001. Her office is located in Roberts 156 with appointments available, and she maintains an open-door policy emphasizing student success and intellectual exchange within the university's 'Be Known' philosophy.

She earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, forming the foundation for her academic career.

Dr. O'Donnell's research explores father-child dynamics and psychosocial development with specialized focus on religious development, viewing human growth as revealing 'the complexity and beauty of the greatest creation.' Her additional investigations include young children's motivation development and adolescent autonomy, consistently integrating student collaborators to help them discover their academic passions through hands-on research.

While no specific grants are documented, her advising philosophy prioritizes student-driven research projects as transformative learning experiences. She teaches core curriculum courses including General Psychology (PSYC 150), Child Development (PSYC 311), Adult Development (PSYC 312), Adolescent Development (PSYC 314), Learning (PSYC 360), Research Methods (PSYC 391), and History of Psychology (PSYC 450), fostering classroom environments centered on intellectual exploration.