Faculty & Staff

Dr. Zeb Bell joined the Psychology Department at LSUA in 2021. He completed a BA from Auburn University, an MS from Georgia Southern University, and a PhD in from Oakland University, all in psychology. He specializes in human and non-human animal cognition and behavior, and his research experience and interests include spatial and temporal cognition across species, increasing retention and opportunities for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields, and captive animal welfare and conservation.

Richard L. Elder, Ph. D., Professor of Psychology at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. He earned his Ph. D. at Kansas State University in Learning and Physiological Psychology. His interests include alcohol and drug abuse and animal learning and behavior especially in the areas of endangered species and ethical treatment of animals. He is also interested in the psychology of social issues and politics. He serves and has served on many university committees including having served several years as President of the LSUA Faculty Senate. He also earned the Bolton Award for Teaching Excellence in 2016.

Cynthia Thomas, PhD is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Provost Fellow here at LSUA. She earned her PhD in Personality Psychology and Developmental Psychology from Howard University, a M. Ed. in Guidance and Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University, and a BS in Psychology from Southern University. She serves the LSUA community by actively participating on several Senate committees, Chancellors Committees, championing suicide prevention and mental health wellness with our students. Dr. Thomas is the 2021- 2022 Bolton Teaching Excellence Award winner. 

Dr. Jordyn Truax joined the Psychology Department at LSUA in 2024. She attended Saginaw Valley State University for her BA in psychology, and then completed her MA and PhD, both in psychology, at Oakland University. She specializes in non-human animal research, focusing on social cognition and animal welfare. Within social cognition, she has researched both cooperation and altruism. Animal welfare is her more recent focus and is usually targeted on visitor influences on captive animals.

Robert A. Wright Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology. He currently serves at the Chair of the Department of Psychology and as Chancellors Fellow. He received his BS and MA in Psychology and a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Louisiana State University. Dr. Wright joined the faculty at LSUA in 2007 following his internship with the Devereux Center for Effective Schools in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. He specializes in the treatment of individuals with Developmental Disabilities, School Wide Positive Behavior Supports and Interventions, and the prevention of disruptive behaviors in schools. He is the 2017 recipient of the Bolton Award for Teaching Excellence.