Psychology graduate named 2011 LAS Distinguished Alumnus

09/21/2011 5:11 PM

By Steven Johnson ’13

Another week brings a another distinction for the Department of Psychology. Dr. Cherie Bagley, ’74, has been selected for the 2011 LAS Distinguished Alumnus award. A reception will be held in her honor on Friday, October 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Bradley Hall 440.

The LAS award is only one of Bagley’s accomplishments. Bagley first graduated from Bradley with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to the University of Illinois at Urbana to earn a doctoral degree in counseling psychology in 1989.

Bagley has also earned board certification from the National Association of Black Psychologists in recognition of her demonstrated skills and abilities to implement culturally appropriate teaching and clinical practice for clients of African ancestry.

A licensed psychologist, Bagley has worked at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center since 1995.

“It was a wonderful surprise,” Bagley said of the award. “It made me feel special. I really had few contacts with Bradley after graduation in 1974, except for sorority reunions.” Bagley is an alumna of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

“I was honored to be chosen in April by the Department of Psychology as its Distinguished Alumnus and was confused when informed by [department chair] Dr. Derek Montgomery that I had received this second award, which he also recommended. I am so grateful to have been considered, and am very honored.” 

“The department is very gratified that Dr. Bagley is being honored by LAS,” Montgomery said. “Many of our psychology students aspire to have a career like Dr. Bagley – a career that uses psychological science to make a positive difference in people’s lives – and she serves as an important role model in that respect.”

Bagley is as proud of her connection to Bradley as the University is to name her among its alumni.

“I consider it both an honor and a privilege to represent the department and college in that capacity,” Bagley said. “There are fond memories of Bradley University, traveling the quad and campus as a young, naïve, ambitious, curious 17 year-old. It was a great opportunity to meet people from across the nation and international students, as well, which expanded my world view.”

Bagley offered these words of advice to current students studying psychology.

“Balanced leadership is important, demonstrating moral values, bringing character and integrity to keep standards high in the workplace,” Bagley said. “Intelligence and income alone are not enough. Use the degree to influence others positively and broaden the world to make a better environment for us all.”