Farewell from Dr. Willie Garrett

In less than two weeks I will complete my term as president of MPA. It has been an exciting year that has left me humble, appreciative, and proud. 2020 was one of the most tumultuous years in world history due to the cumulative impact of COVID-19, explosive social unrest, and a U.S. presidential election threatening our democracy. Psychologists had to repeatedly adapt to changes and threats to the practice and science of psychology.

I am still in awe of the psychologists who rose up to the challenges and banded together to support one another. We practiced what we preach and came through it together. Our rural psychologists also faced a severe farming, opioid, and economic crisis that strained already overworked therapists. Our academic psychologists encountered sudden distance learning, reduced enrollment, and students in emotional crisis. However, we all came together and offered each other support and resources.

I am so proud of all of you for your courage and strength during this absolutely crazy year. I am eternally grateful for having an engaging, and very wise Executive Committee, and Governing Council. Dr. Jordan Robinson is the incoming president and is a very seasoned leader who helped MPA thrive through 2020. I will continue to be active with MPA as past-president, and see all of you at the virtual Annual Conference in April.

Willie Garrett, M.S., LP, Ed.D.
[email protected]