Professor Shane Jimerson wins national award for leadership in school psychology

Professor Shane R. Jimerson of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education was recently honored with the 2026 Presidential Award for Distinguished Leadership and Contributions by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The prestigious recognition acknowledges Jimerson’s outstanding leadership and sustained contributions to advancing the field of school psychology. 

In presenting the award, NASP President Shawna Rader Kelly highlighted Jimerson’s influential role as editor of the journal School Psychology Review, where his vision and commitment have helped strengthen the journal’s impact as a leading scientific outlet for the discipline. School Psychology Review serves as a central platform for disseminating rigorous and relevant research that informs effective educational and mental health practices in schools.

“The award is an incredible honor,” said Jimerson, a professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the Gevirtz School. “Having the opportunity to help children, schools and families has been an incredible privilege throughout my career.”

During his tenure as editor, Jimerson advanced initiatives that strengthened the role of School Psychology Review in promoting high-quality scholarship that informs research, practice and policy in school psychology. His leadership emphasized increasing the accessibility and impact of research that supports the well-being and success of children and youth in schools. In addition, he worked to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the journal’s leadership and scholarly contributions, broadening representation among editorial leadership and encouraging scholarship that reflects diverse perspectives and communities. 

Jimerson in 2023 received the Lifetime Achievement Award from NASP, which recognizes school psychologists who have made significant and lasting contributions during at least 25 years of service in the field.