Lipscomb University
 
. 
Graduate Faculty
 
One of our department's biggest strengths is our faculty. The members of Lipscomb University's faculty are highly-qualified professors and working clinicians with a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. The core faculty consists of seven doctoral-level professors (six full-time, one part-time). We supplement this group with excellent part-time and visiting faculty who are in full-time clinical/counseling practice. These individuals are all experts in the area they teach and bring a wealth of professional experience to the classroom.  The university has awarded these faculty 6 Outstanding Teacher awards, 2 Baker Awards, and 1 Outstanding Advisor Award for their excellence in teaching and advising.
 
 
 
 
Graduate Program Director  
& Professor of Psychology
 
Dr. Morris joined our faculty in July 2009 after 10 years of teaching in the Psychology and Counseling Programs at Freed-Hardeman University. His doctorate in Educational Psychology (with an emphasis in Counselor Education) is from University of Mississippi. He teaches Group Counseling and Capstone Seminar. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Melanie Morris, Ph.D.,   
Clinical Director
 
Dr. Morris coodinates the Practicum and Internship experience for our graduate students. She also teaches Introduction to Psychopathology in the graduate program and Abnormal Psychology in the undergraduate program. Dr. Morris recieved her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of Mississippi. 
 
  

 
 
Elena Zemmel 
Administrative Assistant
 
Elena Zemmel has served as the adminstrative assistant for the Department of Psychology since 2005.  She coordinates the application and admissions process for the graduate program (among many other things).
 
 
 
Assistant Professor of Psychology
 
Dr. Alden teaches Introduction to Psychopathology and Psychological Assessment for the graduate program. He is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in clinical neuropsychology and maintains a private practice in Columbia, TN. His education includes a M.S. in Counseling from Abilene Christian University, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology/Neuropsychology from Virginia Tech, and a specialization in Neuropsychology/ Geropsychiatry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
 
 
 
 
Chris Gonzalez, Ph.D., LMFT
Assistant Professor of Psychology
 
 Chris Gonzalez joined our faculty in Fall 2010 after completing his Ph.D. in Family Social Science from University of Minnesota.  He teaches Introduction to Counseling skills for the graduate program and Abnormal Psychology and Introduction to Psychology for the undergraduate program. His research explores family and spiritual influences on positive youth development. He is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
 
 
Professor of Psychology
 
Dr. Hamley teaches Grief/Crisis Counseling and Multicultural Issues in Counseling. He has been awarded three "Outstanding Teacher" awards by the university for excellence in teaching. He has an M.A. in Psychology from M.T.S.U. and an Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University. Dr. Hamley is also a Licensed Professional Counselor at Woodmont Hills Counseling center.
 
 
 
 

Shanna D. Ray, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology

 
Dr. Ray teaches the Survey of Psychology and Developmental Psychology courses for the graduate program. She also coordinates the Masters' Thesis process for students in the M.S. in Psychology program. Dr. Ray has an M.A. in Experimental Psychology from M.T.S.U. and a Ph.D./M.S. in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University.
 
 
 
Professor of Psychology
 
Dr. Turner teachers Personality Theories and Research Methods & Statistics for the graduate program. Because of his excellent teaching and advising, he has been awarded three "Outstanding Teacher" awards and one "Outstanding Advisor" award by the university. His education includes an M.A. in Bible from Southern Christian University, an M.S. in Public Health from University of Western Kentucky, and an M.A./Ph.D in Experimental Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi.