Academic Spotlight: Associate Dean of Psychology Dr. Josh Garrin

A health psychologist and an educator with over a decade of experience, Dr. Josh Garrin started as an adjunct instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in 2018 before joining the school’s leadership team for social science programs. Now, he shares his expertise as an associate dean overseeing SNHU’s undergraduate psychology degrees.

Garrin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Journalism from the State University of New York at New Paltz, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Pace University and a PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University.

“Prior to entering academia,” Garrin said, “I worked in various capacities within the behavioral healthcare setting where I led biometric screening teams, managed healthcare team projects and designed trainings to promote employee well-being.”

He also provided individual and group health coaching and education for executive leadership. “In combination, these experiences have provided me with unique insight into the interconnectedness of our physical, psychological and social well-being,” he said.

Garrin’s passion for the field of psychology is two-fold. The subject can lead you on a path to help others, but he said studying psychology can benefit your own well-being, too.

“As the science of human thought and behavior, our knowledge of psychology can dramatically enhance the quality of our lives and the world around us,” he said. “Having a deep understanding of how the mind works allows us to better understand the 'why' behind our mental and emotional states.”

Whether at work, school or in your personal life, Garrin said studying psychology can improve your self-awareness, confidence, motivation and empathy.

“Students can acquire a toolbox full of valuable skills that they will take with them on their personal and professional journey — tools that not only help us to adapt and survive but tools that can help us to thrive,” he said.

According to Garrin, psychology degrees can help you to build a strong foundation for your future. He also noted that his experience teaching and working at SNHU, in particular, has been a singular one.

“To say that SNHU is a special place is an understatement,” he said. “For many years, I have watched SNHU students, instructors and administrators evolve into the best versions of themselves.”

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.