News - General News

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BACB approves Forest ABA Programs

Forest Institute is pleased to announce that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. has approved the ABA Programs for taking examination under the 4^th Edition requirements that will go into effect in 2015.

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Forest & Burrell Enter Merger Agreement

The boards of directors for Forest Institute and Burrell Behavioral Health approved this week a decision to merge the two Springfield-based organizations.
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Forest Psy.D. Student Publishes Chapter in New Book

Deseri Burgess, Psy.D. Student is a contributing author for "Supporting and Educating Traumatized Students: A Guide for School-Based Professional”
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Dr. Chris Stout Addresses Graduating Students

On October 13, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute celebrated graduation and commencement at The Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Mo..
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FAB Wants You to Walk for Autism

The Forest Association of Behaviorism is looking for people to participate in the 2012 Walk Now for Autism Speaks on September 8th.

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APA Weighs in on Psychotherapy Effectiveness

The American Psychological Association says research shows psychotherapy is effective but underutilized.
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President Skrade Featured in Springfield Business Journal

The Springfield Business Journal recently had a conversation with Dr. Mark Skrade about the rich history of Forest Institute, the services it offers, and the possibility of merging with Missouri State University.
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Forest Civility Study Highlighted by KSMU-NPR Radio

The story focuses on Springfield's "Arts in the Park" program and its adoption of the 10 Civility Tenets. Dr. Glenna Weis and several Forest students are conducting a study to observe outcomes of the program.
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CAPS Hosts School Supply Drive

The Child and Adolescent Psychology Student Group (CAPS) needs your help in collecting supplies for children of Springfield Public Schools. Learn how you can help.

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Forest Students Assist with Look Out Latinas

Several students are teaming up with the Hand in Hand Multicultural Center for this year's Camp Look Out Latinas designed to empower young Latinas towards healthier relationships.
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New Guidelines for Continuing Professional Development

The Association for State and Provincial Psychology Boards recently updated its "Guidelines for Continuing Professional Development" which reflects ongoing changes in the field of psychology.
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Forest Staff Member Publishes Book

Forest's Director of Financial Aid, Carolyn Burros, can now add the role of author to her accomplishments. Burros recently completed her first fictional book titled "A City Hidden" which is available for download to your Kindle.
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Forest Summer Blood Drive Successful

Forest students, faculty, and staff filled the need for blood once more as Community Blood Center of the Ozarks rolled back onto campus.

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GLEE Raises More Than $500 for AIDS Project of Ozarks

The LGBT friendly student group recently held a drag show to raise the money for AIDS Project of the Ozarks. Learn more about why this was so important to the group, and see pictures from the show.
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Annual Wii Tournament Raises Money for Local Charity

The Medical Family Therapy Student Group's 4th annual Wii Tournament raised more than $270 for the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield. Check out pictures and videos from the event.
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Forest Alumnus Nominated for APA President

Todd Finnerty, Psy.D., a 2002 graduate, is nominated for the position of American Psychological Association President. He is one of five running for the spot which will be voted on in September.
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Forest Student Selected for HOPE Program Training

Hannah Harris has been selected to participate in the APA's HIV Office of Psychology Education Training Program (HOPE).
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Forest Institute Awarded 2012 Best of Springfield Award

This is the fourth year Forest received the award by the U.S. Commerce Association in the category of Family Counseling Services.

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Forest Works to Prevent Student Loan Defaults

Through grant funding and a series of programs, Forest's financial aid office is working hard to make sure graduates don't go into default on their student loans.

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Forest Institute Offers Autism Aid Through Several Opportunities

In recognition of National Autism Awareness month Forest Institute is reaching out to those affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) by providing services and graduate level training.
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Forest Students and Faculty Member Awarded Local Grant Funding

CFO awarded Dr. Glenna Weis and five doctoral students in the Child and Adolescent program funding for an assessment project regarding the use of the Civility Tenets in a summer day program.
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Dean Megan Weaver Named to 40 Under 40 List

The annual list is compiled of 40 individuals from the Ozarks who are considered up-and-coming young professionals. Dean Megan Weaver makes the 2012 class and is featured in the Springfield Business Journal.
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Forest Continues its Commitment to Members of the Military

This week Forest Institute was approved by the Department of Defense to continue providing tuition support to members of the Armed Forces.

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Forest Awarded Presidential Honor for Community Service

For the second year, Forest Institute was named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Forest is one of only five in Missouri to be honored with distinction.
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Forest's ABA Practicum Approved by BACB®

Forest is now one of only two schools in Missouri to receive approval by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® for its practicum experiences in Springfield and St. Louis.

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Dr. Baker Honored at Springfield Business Journal Breakfast

This week Dr. Jennifer Baker was the keynote speaker at SBJ's "12 People You Should Know in 2012" breakfast series. She spoke about healthy relationships. Click below to see the SBJ story and pictures.
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Forest Institute St. Louis to Hold Open House

The event will take place March 2, 2012 from 5 to 7pm at our site in Creve Coeur.

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Forest Institute Honors the Life of Don Wessel

Wessel, who passed away earlier this week, served as former Chairman to the board, and left a lasting impression upon the institution and its family.

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Dr. Skrade Named to Board of Isabel's House

The appointment will allow Dr. Skrade to be a voice for the organization which provides an emergency shelter to youth who are at risk of neglect and/or abuse.

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Forest to Host Autism Accessible Performance

On April 14, 2012 the Spectrum Theatre Ensemble will present two performances of "Weird Beard, the Asperger's Pirate" at our Springfield campus. Tickets on sale now.
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Forest - St. Louis Partners with Special School District

The partnership will provide reduced tuition to employees of SSD wishing to continue their applied behavior analysis training.

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Forest Students Help with Greene County Teen Court Workshop

Several Forest students are conducting a Family Communication Workshop for teens sentenced through the Greene County Court system under the supervision of Dr. Kristina Brown.
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Psychology: A Graduate Degree Worth Its Weight

According to a recent article by website "Daily Finance," a graduate degree in the social sciences is one of a few worth obtaining while the economy is in a downturn.
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Forest's ABA Program Featured in Missouri Autism Report

The article on page seven of the monthly publication highlights why a mom chose to give back to others by entering Forest's MSABA program.

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Dr. Gerald Porter Featured on National Radio Show

Porter joined the discussion on "The Dr. Peter Breggin Hour" on the Progressive Radio Network to talk about moving lives forward in 2012. Porter also announced a visit by Dr. Breggin to Forest this spring.
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Springfield Business Journal Highlights Dr. Jennifer Baker

The newspaper named Baker to its list of "12 People You Need to Know in 2012". The story featuring Baker's work is now available for reading online.

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Operation Us Teams Up With YMCA

The partnership will continue the "Hitched & Happy" workshop series beginning January 25th at the Y's Pat Jones Center for a discounted rate.

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Spring 2012 Travel Stipends Awarded to Students

Several Forest students will get assistance as they travel to conferences to present their research in the new year.

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Sock Drive Helps Local Teens

More than 300 teens at Rare Breed Youth Center will benefit from a sock drive held by Forest Institute and the Robert J. Murney Clinic.

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Give A Day Breaks Volunteer Record for St. Jude Walk

Saturday, 23 Forest students, faculty, and staff walked in the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk. The team raised more than $1,600 for the organization making it one of the top contributors.
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APA Issues Clarification on Psychology Employment Data

The clarification comes after news stories by the Huffington Post and National Public Radio last week which referenced employment data on undergraduate psychology majors.
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Forest Announces 2011-2012 Scholarship Recipients

More than two dozen Forest students will attend classes for the 2011-2012 academic year with support from the Forest Administrative Scholarship Committee.

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Kimberly Ramacciotti Becomes New Master's Program Advisor

In a newly created position, Kimberly Ramacciotti will work closely with students in the master's program to help them achieve their academic and professional career goals.
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Dr. Gerald Porter Begins First Week With Forest

Taking on the roles of Interim Dean of the PsyD program and Associate VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Gerald Porter sat down with us for a one-on-one about his first week at Forest and his future plans.
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Dr. Ellen Orr Appointed to St. Louis Faculty

Ellen Glover-Orr, Ph.D. joins the faculty of Forest Institute - St. Louis and will be teaching in the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program.
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Library Offers Several New Displays

A new exhibit and two poster displays are now up for viewing in the Francis D. Jones Library and Information Commons.
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Impact of Poverty Simulation Felt on Campus

The OACAC poverty simulation, which returns for round two this Friday, is an opportunity that's both moving and powerful for participants.

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Forest student recieves top honors from APA: Division 18

Shawna Baron is the recipient of the 2011 APA: Division 18 Outstanding Dissertation Award in Criminal Justice for her research on prison rapes and inmates' attitudes towards them.
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Forest Institute Receives National Honor

Forest is one of 15 schools in Missouri to be named to the "President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll" which highlights its community service programs, practices, and community partnerships.
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Forest Alumnus Talks Headache Management

Dr. Steve Boling, with the Headache Care Center in Springfield, talked with students and faculty at Tuesday's Primary Care Psychology meeting about the psychological side of headache and pain management.
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Committee of Neuropsychology Featured by APA

Members of Forest's Committee of Neuropsychology will be featured for the next four months by the APA Division 40: Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training.
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Students Enjoyed A Springfield Cardinals Game For Summer Social

Whether it was the tailgate party or watching the Cardinals win over the RoughRiders, students enjoyed the Summer social put together by Student Council and the Society for Sports Psychology.
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Poverty Simulation Set to Return to Campus

OACAC will be bringing its poverty simulation back to the Forest Institute campus, giving everyone a chance to see what it's like living with little to no income.

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Association for Applied Sports Psychology Features Students

David Bauman and Bridget Beachy are involved in several projects to help students interested in sports psychology. This month they are featured in the Association for Applied Sports Psychology's newsletter.
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Dr. Porter Named Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

After several visits to the Forest campus, Dr. Gerald Porter was named as Interim Dean of the PsyD program and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs today in a letter from the President.
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Dr. Jennifer Baker Named Vice President

In a letter from the President, Dr. Jennifer Baker, PsyD, LFMT was named Vice President, a newly created position within the organization.
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Forest Student Gets Book Published

Bryce Gray's passion for children and adolescent psychology led him to write the book "Elephant in the Room," which was recently published and is now available at major booksellers.

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GLEE Members Make Strong Connections at Pride Event

Members of Forest's GLEE Organization (Gays, Lesbians and Everybody Else) attended Springfield Pride this month and brought back a wealth of information they can use in their practice.
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Forest Alumnus Helps Create PCP Wikipedia Page

Brian Sandoval's work in Primary Care Psychology landed him another role recently. His work is now being featured on Wikipedia.

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Wii Tournament Aids Ronald McDonald House

3rd Annual Wii Tournament raised more than 130 dollars for the Ronald McDonald House and showed just how well Forest students could dance.

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13 Students Receive Travel Stipends to Present at Conferences

Forest's Student Travel Award Program released the names of those students this week along with the conferences they will be presenting at.

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Forest Students Make Cyber-Bullying Presentation

Two Robert J. Murney Clinic graduate providers showed children how to stop cyber-bullying before it gets started in an engaging and interactive presentation at Youth Camp in Racine, MO.
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Forest Blood Drive A Huge Success

With a recent disaster on their minds, many Forest students, faculty, and staff lined up for the annual blood drive and broke a Forest record.

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Give Blood; Save a Life

In light of the recent disaster in Joplin, many are looking for ways to give. One of those is to roll up your sleeves for the annual Forest blood drive with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks on June 15^th.
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Dr. Pietz Reports To Judge On Arizona Shooter's Competency

Dr. Christina Pietz recently worked a case drawing national attention. She and a coworker interviewed Jared Lee Loughner, accused of a shooting spree aimed at Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona.
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Dr. Moss Talks First-Aid Psychology

After visiting Joplin several times Dr. Robert Moss talks to us about "First-Aid Psychology" and what makes it unique after a large traumatic event.

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New Certificate Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis

The addition of two new certificate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis brings more continuing education options for current students, alumni, and anyone working in a related field.
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Center for Professional Solutions Changes Name

CPS, as it was formerly called, is now the Center for Innovation and Community Health.

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Give A Day Volunteers Make Balloon Release and 5k a Success

As part of "Give a Day," several Forest students and faculty recently participated in the Lost and Found Memorial Balloon Release and 5k run.
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Joplin, Mo Relief Efforts Underway

Forest Institute is working to help in tornado ravaged Joplin, MO. This is the latest on those efforts and will be updated periodically as new information comes in.
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Library Book Sale

The Francis D. Jones Library book sale is approaching with your opportunity to save money on a great variety of new and lightly used books.
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Forest's ABA Program Recognizes Autism Awareness Month

Forest's ABA program has upcoming events to recognize Autism Awareness Month in April. All events are open to the community. Please join us!
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ABA Courses Approved - Meets Requirement for Certification Exam

Forest Institute's ABA coursework has been approved by the BACB. This coincides with a new Missouri law requiring insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders.
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Forest Student Honored by Psychologists in Long Term Care

Forest student Christine Biddle, MA, has been honored by the Psychologists in Long Term Care organization.
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Forest President Appointed to New APA Task Force

Forest is pleased to announce that President Dr. Mark Skrade has been appointed to serve on the American Psychological Association’s new Primary Care Task Force.
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Dr. Renae Courtney Interviewed by KY3 Reporter

Dr. Renae Courtney was interviewed by reporter Linda Russell of KY3 this week in a story about ways to cope with weather-related stress and preventative measures to deal with negative moods.
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Faculty-Published Companion Tip Sheet Now Available

Kristina S. Brown, PhD, LMFT, authored a tip sheet for Certified Family Life Educators on the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center website, titled Helping Couples Cope with Cancer: Tips for MRE Practitioners.
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The Give a Day Program Hosts its First Event of 2011

The first Give a Day program event of 2011 took place this Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 at the Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks.
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Forest Welcomes New Faculty Member and Program Director

Forest is pleased to announce the arrival and appointment of Dr. Michele Williams as the Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program
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The Robert J. Murney Clinic Announces New Classes

The Robert J. Murney Clinic at Forest Institute is pleased to announce registration for affordably priced psychoeducational classes open to adult members of our community.
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Faculty Published on the NHMRC Website

Kristina S. Brown, PhD, LMFT, authored a tip sheet published on the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center website, titled In Sickness and In Health: Couples Fighting Cancer Together.
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NHSC Loan Repayment Application Cycle Now Open

The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program application cycle is now open. The NHSC offers primary medical, dental and mental health clinicians up to $60,000 to repay student loans in exchange for service in medically underserved areas.
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Give a Day Program Hosts First Cookies with Santa

The Give a Day volunteer program hosted its first Cookies with Santa event this Saturday, at the Robert J. Murney Clinic. This event provided local children with the chance to get their picture taken with Santa and enjoy some yummy treats!
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Forest Celebrates Opening of New Lounge Area

After weeks of construction, the new lounge area in the Forest Academic Building is officially open for use. In celebration of its grand opening, members of the Forest community gathered to officially christen the new lounge area that is now open to all students, faculty and staff.
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Students Present at the NAACP Youth Empowerment Conference

Stacy Ogbeide, Antoni Hanigan, and Gaston Rougeaux-Burnes with help from Kyle Wallace presented A Survivor's Guide to Growing Up as a Minority in "Da Field” at the 8th Annual NAACP Youth Empowerment Conference at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
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Forest Unites In Stopping Homophobic Bullying to LGBTQ Youth

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010, members of the Forest community participated in "Wear Pink and Purple Day" to show solidarity in stopping the homophobic abuse experienced by LGBTQ individuals.
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Dr. Mrad Presenting at the Federal Public Defender Seminar

David Mrad, Ph.D., ABPP, will be presenting Operation of the Federal Mental Health Statutes at the Defending a Federal Criminal Case seminar sponsored by the Western District of Missouri Federal Public Defenders office.
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Faculty published in the Greene County Medical Society Journal

Drs. King and Neumann author article published in the Greene County Medical Society Journal titled, Enhancing Prescription Dug Misuse/Abuse Prevention through Evidence Based Psychosocial Intervention.
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Forest Institute announces Graduation Events

Forest will be celebrating our new graduates with an alumni event on Friday, October 8th and the graduation ceremony on Saturday, October 9th.
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Forest’s New ABA Programs Featured on Local Newscast

Local Springfield station features Megan Weaver and Forest’s new ABA programs on evening news.
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Scholarship Recipients Announced for 2010-2011 Academic Year

Approximately $75,250 in tuition reduction and direct student awards has been awarded to 13 outstanding students.
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Summer 2010 Travel Stipends Announced

Twelve students receive travel stipends for their presentations at summer conferences.
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Marti Velez Receives Full-Ride Scholarship from Indian Health Service

Forest first-year student receives Health Professions Award from IHS.
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Murney Clinic Interns Present on Traumatization

Maria Papachrysanthou and Renae Courtney from the Robert J. Murney Clinic present to the Council of Churches.
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Forest Institute Presents on Bullying

Alison Singleton, Brindi Streufert, and Bryce Gray from the Robert J. Murney Clinic at Forest Institute delivered a presentation on bullying.
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Nedwek named VPAA of Forest Institute

Brian Nedwek, currently interim vice president for academic affairs at the School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute has been appointed as the new vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1, 2010.
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Forest Institute hosts grand opening of St. Louis site

Forest Institute hosted the grand opening of its new location in Creve Coeur, Missouri on June 11, 2010, to introduce its programs and services to the community.
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Megan Weaver Interviewed About Forest’s New Master’s In ABA

Megan Weaver, acting dean of the master’s programs, was interviewed Wednesday, June 30, by KSMU about the new ABA program.
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Twelve Students Receive Travel Stipends

Students will be traveling to the American Psychological Association and the Missouri Psychological Association conferences.
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APA convention accepts student's poster submission

Poster presentation by Babak Partovifar has accepted by division 26 of APA, The Society for the History of Psychology.
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