Cynthia Pickett, a professor of psychology and Associate Vice-Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at DePaul University, has been elected the 2024 president of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP). She will serve as president-elect in 2023 and past president in 2025.

An experimental social psychologist by training, Dr. Pickett's research often lies at the intersection of personality processes and social behavior. She has chaired multiple SPSP committees and served as Associate Editor of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, IRGP.

"SPSP has played a critical role in fostering the science of personality and social psychology as well as providing a space where social and personality psychologists can gather and learn from each other." Says Dr. Pickett. "As SPSP President, I will work to ensure that the organization remains responsive to its diverse membership and that it evolves in a manner consistent with its values of inclusion, integrity, and scientific rigor."

As president, Dr. Pickett would like SPSP to fully embrace the ideal of inclusive excellence by increasing the reach and impact of our science, encouraging transparent and open communication, and enhancing mentorship activities.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pickett as president-elect of SPSP," says SPSP Executive Director Rachel Puffer. "Under her leadership, we are confident that the organization can foster an inclusive and collaborative environment for personality and social psychologists."

Dr. Pickett received her Ph.D. from Ohio State University. In addition to her role at DePaul University, she has taught psychology at the University of California, Davis, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.

Valerie Taylor of Lehigh University was elected Board Member at Large for Science – Programming and Chris Crandall of the University of Kansas was elected Board Member at Large for Science – Publishing. Each will serve three-year terms.


The Society for Personality and Social Psychology promotes scientific research that explores how people think, behave, feel, and interact. With more than 7,500 members, the Society is the largest organization of social and personality psychologists in the world.