Dr. Revathy Kumar, professor of educational psychology in The University of Toledo Judith Herb College of Education, has been elected a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.

The appointment will be effective in January.

With more than 121,000 members, the American Psychological Association is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States.

Kumar joined the UToledo faculty in 2001. Her research focuses on social and cultural processes involved in constructing a sense of self and identity among adolescents in culturally diverse societies. Of particular interest are the roles of teachers, teacher-education programs, schools, communities and families in facilitating minority and immigrant adolescents’ development, learning and motivation.

Her work has been published in education and psychology journals, and she has authored and co-authored several book chapters. In addition, Kumar has given presentations about her research around the world.

“I am honored to be elected a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. It is humbling to be nominated and elected by scholars whose work I respect and admire,” Kumar said. “I also want to acknowledge the support I have received over the last 20 years from my colleagues and administrators at The University of Toledo to engage in the kind of work I love doing.

“Now I am even more energized to collaborate with teachers to conduct intervention research to improve the academic and psychological wellbeing of students, particularly those from minority and immigrant backgrounds,” she added.

“We are extremely proud Dr. Revathy Kumar is receiving Fellow recognition within the prestigious American Psychological Association,” Dr. Raymond Witte, dean of the Judith Herb College of Education, said. “Few within the profession receive this distinction, and Dr. Kumar and her work are indeed worthy of the honor.”