MOBILE, Ala. – “Growing up, I was always the person people would confide in about their problems. When I finally took my first psychology course, I was able to put names to things I was always curious about and things began to make sense for me.”
Dr. April Berry knew that she had a calling on her life and a purpose to be in the psychology field to make a difference.
“I have always been passionate about instilling knowledge into others. I love to see people empowered and elevated.”
Berry teaches Human Growth and Development, Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Theories of Personality, Introduction to Counseling, and Multicultural Counseling in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Mobile.
Berry uses her role as a professor to empower and elevate her students in and outside of the classroom by extending compassion and empathy. She wants them to have fun learning and growing in their personal and professional development.
“I am a firm believer we all have a purpose to fulfill on this earth. God needs those who are equipped with a solid foundation in education so He can use them for greater causes to be of service to others.”
Q. What is your background?
A. My background includes clinical leadership and college counseling. I received my Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Fisk University, Master of Science in counseling psychology with a clinical concentration from Alabama A&M University, and a PhD in combined-integrated clinical and counseling psychology from the University of South Alabama.
Q. Your dissertation was about racial socialization messages. What drew your interest to that area of study?
A. I explored a topic that was near and dear to my heart. I was interested in understanding how the messages Black women received from the parents and/or caregivers during childhood impacted how they identified with their “Blackness” (racial identity) and whether or not they experienced gender role stress in their adult life.
Q. Why should someone choose to study Psychology?
A. The psychology program offers both in-person options as well as online options for students. We offer both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree for students. The program is aligned with APA’s Guidelines for Undergraduate Psychology Major, and students will leave the program with knowledge and foundational skills to understand themselves and others through a scientific lens and take on careers as a psychologist, researcher, case manager and many other roles.
Q. What is your favorite class to teach and why?
A. My favorite class to teach is Multicultural Counseling. This is an elective course, but I am passionate about the material that is often covered in this course because it is related to enhancing awareness about social justice issues and concerns in the fields of psychology and counseling. In this course, I strive to make difficult conversations less difficult and teach students about the importance of courageous dialogues and how to remain humble in their learning and understanding of the various cultures and ethnic groups that exist.
Q. We say UM is a place where students can “Know & Be Known.” What does that mean to you?
A. At UM, students can be known because classes are small and intimate, and students are not just a number. They are all unique and special and can make an impact in numerous ways, regardless if they believe it or not.
Q. What do you like most about UM?
A. The one thing I like most about UM is its intimate setting and ability to blend my professional and personal identities. As a Christian, it is not often that spaces are created in your professional career to openly discuss and share about God. However, UM affords me the opportunity to not have to separate my identities, but rather embrace them all in a place that welcomes it.
Q. What are some of your interests or hobbies?
A. I enjoy shopping, relaxing, traveling, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and tapping into my inner child by doing things like go-kart riding and going to arcades. These hobbies allow me to engage in self-care and not have to “be on” all the time, but rather de-stress and be in the moment.
Q. What are you passionate about?
A. I am very passionate about alleviating barriers to mental health treatment and supporting social justice efforts in the psychology field. I strive to move people to action instead of just talking about an issue. I want to help give a voice to the voiceless and empower individuals to stand up against any and all injustices.
Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.