Sylvia McDonald, PhD
Professor of Psychology
Dr. McDonald’s office is upstairs in the Student Center in the Psychology Suite.
HOBBIES
- Reading research and consuming books on Audible
- Spending time with family
- Enjoying the Pumpkin Show
- Going on my daily walks with my trusty dog, Jersey
WHY OCU?
OCU is home. Being from Circleville, OCU is personal to me. It is not somewhere that I heard about from a friend, saw advertised online, or read about while looking for a job. OCU has been a part of my life since I can remember. When I go to the bank and an older, local farmer recognizes me because he knew my parents and asks, “how’s things over at the Bible College?” I can smile and answer, knowing the history of our community. I have seen OCU grow from a little school that trained pastors and missionaries to a university that holistically educates students by providing a Christ-centered education before sending them into the corporate world or private sector. We are our students’ biggest cheerleaders. My colleagues leave here each day and carry the burdens of their students with them; they go home praying for each one, asking for guidance on how to lead them closer to Christ while developing a love for their discipline. That is rare. That is precious. That is why OCU.
Sylvia McDonald, PhD
Professor of Psychology
EDUCATION
- BA, Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- MA, Liberty University
- PhD, Walden University
- Post-Doctoral Studies, Graduate Certificate, Harvard University
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. McDonald joined the OCU faculty in 2005, teaching courses part time in the adult program. By 2007, she was in the classroom full time teaching courses in the psychology department. In 2008, she became director of the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program, growing it over 300% in six years, while continuing to teach. She transitioned out of the director’s role in 2014, focusing solely on teaching until she was given the position of the Assistant Chair of General Education, heading the math and sciences division in 2017. Dr. McDonald fulfilled the Assistant Chair responsibility until the university restructured in 2020 and she moved back to teaching full time in the psychology department. Although her heart is inside the classroom, she felt called to move back into an administrative role and became Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2022. Prior to working at OCU, Dr. McDonald served as a Supervisor for Group Homes for Developmentally Disabled women in Knox county and worked in Human Resources in the Health Care industry. She and her husband John have three children- Evan, Seth and Abby.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Psychology knowledge and critical thinking skills on faith development
- Higher Education
- Learning in the college classroom
- Grief and Trauma
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
“COVID 19 Vaccine Hesitation in Rural Appalachian Ohioans” 2021
• Harvard Extension School, Virtual
“College Student Stress Can Go To The Dogs” 2017
• National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology, National Conference, St. Pete, FL
“Professor Immediacy in Hybrid Classes: Do Professors Make the Grade?” 2013
• Presentation made in conjunction as supervisor to Research Assistant, OCU student
• National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology, National Conference, St. Pete, FL
“Student Preference for Hybrid Course Design Components” 2013
• National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology, National Conference, St. Pete, FL
“Will You Be My Friend? Facebook Ethics for Professors” 2010
• Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Eastern Conference, Chambersburg, PA
PUBLICATIONS
McDonald, S., McDonald, E., & Roberts, A. (2017). Effects of novel dog exposure on college students' stress prior to examination. North American Journal of Psychology, 1(2), 477-487.
McDonald, S (2016). The impact of dual enrollment high school students in Biblical higher education. Biblical Higher Education Journal, 9, 3-7.
McDonald, S. E. (2013). The effects and predictor value of in-class texting behavior on final course grades. College Student Journal, 47(1), 34-56.
McDonald, S. E. (2012). Reclaiming the Wireless Classroom When Netiquette no Longer Works. College Teaching, 60 (3), 130. doi:10.1080/87567555.2011.601773
McDonald, S. E. (2008). Breaking the Silence: Recovering from Miscarriage, Stillbirth, & Early Neonatal Death. CarePoint Ministries Publishing. Minneapolis: MN. ISBN: 10:0979208920
McDonald, S. E. (2009). Breaking the Silence: Recovering from Miscarriage, Stillbirth, & Early Neonatal Death. A Group Counseling Workbook. Silas Publishing, Paperback Workbook/Spiral bound, ISSBN: 13:9780979208928
McDonald, S. E. (2003). A cup of comfort for mothers and daughters: What I wanted to tell her. Adams Media Corporation.
McDonald, S. E. (2001). A cup of comfort for mothers: Breaking the silence. Adams Media Corporation.
New York: New York.
McDonald, S. E. (2001). Confronting Self. Twin Times, Jalrock, Inc. Group Publishers, 2(3), 35-37.
McDonald, S. E. (2001). Twins and Heredity: Are your Family Genes to Blame?” Twin Times, Jalrock, Inc.
Group Publishers, 2(4) 23-27.
McDonald, S. E. (2001). Examining the Nature Verses Nurture Debate. Twin Times, Jalrock, Inc. Group
Publishers, 2(5), 23-27.
McDonald, S. E. (2001). Quick Answers to Fast Talkers. Twin Times, Jalrock, Inc. Group Publishers, 2(6),10-11.
McDonald, S. E. (2001). Genetic Myth Busting 101. Twin Times, Jalrock, Inc. Group Publishers, 2(6), 40-42.
Dr. McDonald’s office is upstairs in the Student Center in the Psychology Suite.
HOBBIES
- Reading research and consuming books on Audible
- Spending time with family
- Enjoying the Pumpkin Show
- Going on my daily walks with my trusty dog, Jersey
WHY OCU?
OCU is home. Being from Circleville, OCU is personal to me. It is not somewhere that I heard about from a friend, saw advertised online, or read about while looking for a job. OCU has been a part of my life since I can remember. When I go to the bank and an older, local farmer recognizes me because he knew my parents and asks, “how’s things over at the Bible College?” I can smile and answer, knowing the history of our community. I have seen OCU grow from a little school that trained pastors and missionaries to a university that holistically educates students by providing a Christ-centered education before sending them into the corporate world or private sector. We are our students’ biggest cheerleaders. My colleagues leave here each day and carry the burdens of their students with them; they go home praying for each one, asking for guidance on how to lead them closer to Christ while developing a love for their discipline. That is rare. That is precious. That is why OCU.
