Dawn Wilson King, PhD, was awarded a Presidential Citation for exceptional leadership as a researcher, mentor and servant to professional societies.
Over the course of several decades, Wilson King has developed and tested groundbreaking theory-based interventions that have resulted in reduced obesity and improved health among the most economically disadvantaged adolescents and their families. Her work integrates bio ecological models, family systems, motivation and behavioral approaches to create interventions that are sensitive to the contexts that influence health behaviors. Wilson King's practical approaches have been exported and adopted in a variety of settings. In addition, she has advanced psychological science as a journal associate editor, a grant peer reviewer and as president of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. As newly-elected president of the Society for Health Psychology (APA Div. 38), she will integrate rigorous science, evidence-based practice and public policy. Also known as an exceptionally warm colleague, a dedicated mentor and an excellent teacher, Wilson King exemplifies the very best of our profession.