TAMUC Student to Receive Outstanding Grad Student-Specialist Level Award

Kelli Lahman

The Texas Association of School Psychologists' (TASP) Awards and Honors committee recently selected Kelli Lahman—a graduate student in the Specialist in School Psychology program at Texas A&M University-Commerce—as the winner of the 2021 award for Outstanding Grad Student-Specialist Level.

Lahman has received numerous scholarships and awards during her time at A&M-Commerce.

She is the founder and past president of the Student Affiliates of School Psychologists (SASP) chapter at A&M-Commerce. Her passion for student involvement in current school psychology issues motivated her to establish the chapter to foster collaboration among peers and future colleagues. Under her leadership, the chapter received national recognition from the National Association of School Psychologists.

Her research interests focus on disproportionality in school discipline, school climate, diverse students' school experiences, supervision and mentorship, and educational policy-making. She is driven to design and develop best practice models for culturally sensitive interventions and culturally responsive evidence-based programs and policies.

Lahman will be recognized at the 29th Annual TASP Convention, November 4-6, at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Georgetown, Texas. There will be an awards ceremony for all winners that Thursday from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Erin A. Harper, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education, and coordinator for the School Psychology program at A&M-Commerce. She said the department is honored to be part of Lahman's academic success.

“The faculty and students in the Department of Psychology and Special Education salute Kelli for her many achievements in the School Psychology program,” Harper said. “We look forward to watching her succeed personally and professionally in the years to come.”

Lahman said she is grateful for the recognition of her efforts.

“I would like to thank the Department of Psychology and Special Education faculty and my peers for their support,” she said. “Due to their encouragement, I have experienced tremendous personal and professional growth during my time at A&M-Commerce.”

Lahman is set to graduate in spring 2022 with a specialist degree in school psychology. She plans to continue her education by attending a doctoral program in school psychology.

Learn more about the Specialist in School Psychology program at A&M-Commerce.