By Anne Schutte, Associate Professor of Psychology, Developmental Program
After 18 years at UNL, Carolyn Edwards, Ed.D., retired this year. Dr. Edwards received her Ed.D. in human development from Harvard University in 1974, and joined the Department of Psychology at UNL in 1997. Her research focused on moral and social development in cultural context; socialization processes within the family; and international early childhood education. During her illustrious career, her cross-cultural research took her to many countries, including Italy, Norway, Kenya, and China. At UNL, she is still involved in two major research projects with federal funding: NebraskaMATH, which seeks to improve math education throughout the state, and the UNL Getting Ready Project, which is focused on strengthening relationships between parents, their young children, and educators. Dr. Edwards’ research has been recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding Research and Creativity Award (ORCA) from the University of Nebraska, which honors outstanding research or creative activity of national or international significance.
Dr. Edwards has also had a deep impact on her students, both graduate and undergraduate, and her colleagues. In psychology, she taught a graduate course in Psychology of Diversity and a seminar in early childhood as well as undergraduate courses in child development and developmental psychology. Her graduate students describe her as passionate about her research, creative, and curious. She was skilled at mentoring her students, and she taught them that in their scholarship, they should connect their head to their heart. Dr. Edwards’ research and mentoring has impacted the field, the educational system and children’s lives. Her contribution to the department and UNL over the years has been great, and she will be sorely missed.