By Lindsey Piercy and Manuela Blanco Suarez

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2024) — Christal Badour, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky, has been honored as the 2024 Psychologist of the Year by the Kentucky Psychological Association.

The association, which advances psychology as a science and profession across the Commonwealth, is recognizing Badour for her contributions to the field and her commitment to expanding mental health care access.

"It’s incredibly humbling to be recognized with this award,” she said. “My pursuit of a career in clinical psychological science has always been driven by my desire to make the biggest impact on well-being for the greatest number of people in my community.”

As director of the Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Research Collaborative, housed within the UK Clinic for Emotional Health, Badour’s work examines the development and treatment of psychological disorders following exposure to violence and other traumatic events.

Badour also directs the Psychology Scholars program and collaborates with several interdisciplinary centers at UK, including the Center for Equality and Social Justice and the Center for Health Equity Transformation.

“Our work isn’t finished until everyone can live a life free from violence and other risks,” she said. “Until then, I’m dedicated to supporting people in rebuilding full and valued lives beyond their experiences of trauma.”

Throughout her time at UK, Badour has received support for her research. She credits the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health program as instrumental in launching her work and acknowledges ongoing support from the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, the Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences and the Center for Research on Violence Against Women.

Known for her dedication as a mentor, Badour is also committed to guiding students in their own academic and professional journeys.

“It’s been my great privilege to be in a position to share this passion with students in a way that helps them develop into future leaders,” she said. “They will carry the torch well beyond my time in this space.”

The Kentucky Psychological Association, which has represented and championed psychology in Kentucky since 1932, will celebrate Badour’s achievements at its annual convention in Louisville on Nov. 15. This year’s theme, “Advancing Kentucky Psychology: Growing our Community and Embracing New Ideas,” reflects the organization’s ongoing dedication to mental health and well-being statewide.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.