Immaculata University will honor Dr. Maria Cuddy-Casey with the 2022 Immaculata University Distinguished Professor Award during commencement on May 15. She is a professor of psychology in the Department of Psychology and Counseling.

Since attaining full-time status as a professor in 2007, Cuddy-Casey has assumed many roles, such as two terms as the undergraduate psychology department chair, teaching a variety of courses in both the undergraduate and graduate departments, serving on dissertation committees, co-chairing the last Middle States reaccreditation self-study, serving on all elected faculty governing committees, and being a member of the university’s presidential search committee.

She has worked with both undergraduate and graduate students on research studies in addition to serving many years on Immaculata’s Research Ethics and Review Board.

Throughout her years at Immaculata, she has remained active by serving as faculty advisor/mentor to such clubs as Aevidum, the psychology club, and Macversity, which supports awareness and activities related to self-care and diversity.

To keep current in her field, Cuddy-Casey maintains membership in the American Psychological Association and is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. She is currently researching suicide and the impact of social media with an Immaculata doctoral student and is submitting an article for publication based on their research findings.

Aside from her duties at Immaculata, Cuddy-Casey maintains a small private practice where she treats an average of three to four clients per week. She is also a consultant to individuals in residential treatment programs, where she completes psychological assessments.

Cuddy-Casey earned her undergraduate degree from Temple University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

“Having been at Immaculata for over 20 years, I see every day the impact that our faculty make on the students,” Cuddy-Casey said. “To be recognized with the Distinguished Professor Award is a humbling experience, and I am grateful to the Immaculata community for the honor.”