WASHINGTON — Catherine L. Grus, PhD, a former assistant professor of psychology and 15-year veteran of the American Psychological Association, has been named the association’s chief education officer.
Grus has held that position on an interim basis since 2018, when her predecessor, Jaime “Jim” Diaz-Granados, PhD, was named APA deputy chief executive officer.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Grus is assuming this post on a permanent basis,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “Her knowledge of APA and psychology education issues is deep and will be invaluable as she leads our work in this area.”
Grus joined APA in 2005 as associate executive director, professional education and training, a post she held until 2010, when she was named APA’s deputy executive director of education. Before joining APA, she spent 10 years as an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
“I am enthusiastic and energized as I assume this post permanently and look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation APA has as a leading voice in the future of psychology education,” Grus said.
As chief education officer, Grus will oversee programs to enhance the quality of teaching and learning outcomes at all levels of education and to increase financial and policy support for psychology education and training. She will be responsible for implementing a transformational education agenda focused on advancing the science and practice of psychology for the benefit of the public through educational institutions, programs and initiatives. Grus will oversee major APA program areas related to education, from precollege through postgraduate levels, including accreditation, continuing education and sponsor approval system, and the application of psychology to K-12 education. In addition, the Center for Workforce Studies and the Office of Early Career and Graduate Student Affairs will be under her purview. The position also works closely with the chief advocacy officer to advocate for federal policies and legislation that promote and advance education across the discipline.
Grus holds a PhD and MS in psychology from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She also holds a BA in psychology from Western New England College. She is licensed to practice psychology in the District of Columbia and Florida.