Research Lab Dedicated to Dr. Anson

BY EMILY KESEL

In the academic year of 2018-2019, a group of faculty members at Central Methodist University got together to form a task force on research. Many ideas were presented and discussed, but one in particular gained traction thanks to the efforts of psychology professors Elizabeth Gold and Jackie Anson. Their proposal for a research lab made it all the way to the desk of Dr. Rita Gulstad, CMU provost.

“We strongly believe that providing [research] opportunities to our students not only increases their knowledge base, but also enhances their analytical and critical thinking skills, their communication skills, and their professional skills,” read the proposal.

Gulstad and others approved the idea, and fundraising for the lab began soon after, with a vision in mind of creating a space not only for psychology students but for the betterment of the Fayette campus in general. a $10,000 gift from Dr. Bill Beneke helped make that vision a reality

Dr. Anson sadly passed away in November of 2020 and never got to see the fruits of her labors with the lab. But many in the Central family began Homecoming weekend this October by gathering to formally dedicate the Dr. Jacqueline M. Anson Psychology Research Lab in her honor.

Located on the fourth floor of T. Berry-Smith Hall, the lab is already in use by students in the social sciences, but this event marked a special time for those who knew Anson to celebrate her life and her contributions to Central.

“Dr. Anson was a visionary and a dedicated faculty member who brought a new perspective on what can happen in an undergraduate program in psychology,” said Gulstad at the event. “Her dedication to her students and their ability to engage in undergraduate research was outstanding.”

Dr. Roger Drake, CMU president, echoed those thoughts, adding that he always learned from Anson and always felt uplifted when speaking to her.

“When one works at an institution founded in 1854, one cannot help but feel the history of great educators and leaders that went before us,” he concluded. “It is my hope that years from now, decades from now, students continue to be influenced by the Anson Psychology Lab. I think Jackie would be absolutely thrilled to know that this lab stands here today in her honor.”

Current psychology professor Dr. Christopher Arnold shared with those in attendance what is already being done with the lab, pointing out that research is already being done by students of several different majors. He said he hopes it can be a space for all the social sciences and something that benefits the entire university.

Arnold’s thoughts seem to reflect Anson’s own wishes for the lab, though the two never met. One speaker from the event, 2020 alumna Reagan Sullivan, however, was able to share her firsthand experience of working closely with the late Dr. Anson.

“She taught me a lot about how to be a strong person, at a time in my life when I really, really needed it,” said Sullivan, who spent many hours researching with Anson as a student. “She pushed me to be the absolute best I could be and taught me to never give up.

“I remember her talking about starting this research lab, how important it was to her and how much she wanted to get it off the ground. I can’t express enough how emotional and thrilled I am to see it come to fruition today, and to know that even though she’s gone, so many students are going to be impacted by this,” Sullivan concluded.

Top: Dr. Elizabeth Gold talking with Reagan Sullivan ’20 and Madison Pragman ’21. Above Photo: Ned Anson (Jackie’s husband) is sitting on the table chatting with Drew ‘19 and Kylie Tillman ’19.