Elizabeth (Lisa) Gassin, Ph.D., LCPC
Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness
Professor of Psychology, Department of Behavioral Sciences
“Psychology is the field where we learn the most about ourselves and the concrete relations we have with other people,” says Lisa Gassin, Ph.D., associate dean of Institutional Effectiveness and professor of psychology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences. “In terms of our own wellness potential — mental, physical, spiritual and relational — understanding psychology helps navigate that journey.”
Lisa studied human development at the University of California, Davis, and moved to the Midwest to continue her academic ventures through a master’s program at Purdue University, and then a doctoral program at University of Wisconsin, Madison.
In 1995, through the Church of the Nazarene, Lisa connected with William “Bill” Bell, Ph.D., and was encouraged to apply for a teaching position at Olivet. She served on faculty for three years until a Fulbright Scholar opportunity took her to teach at universities in Irkutsk and Ulan Ude, Russia. After a year back at Olivet, Lisa left for a longer-term stay in Moscow. Three years later, when Dr. Bell retired from Olivet, Lisa was invited to return to teach at the University.
Over her 27 years as a faculty member, Lisa has mentored University Honors Program students and contributed to many research projects and papers, some with other Olivet faculty, including two recent projects with Kristian Veit, Ph.D. and Alison Young Reusser, Ph.D., which are funded by grants from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. In 2007, Lisa’s teaching merits were recognized when she was awarded the Richard M. Jones Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. In 2015, she received the Samuel L. Mayhugh Award for Scholarly Excellence.
Lisa has published and/or presented more than 40 solo projects plus 15 more contributions as the lead author and an additional 17 contributions to publications in journals and conference presentations around the world. Her work can be challenging, but Lisa optimistically views research and analysis as methods for personal and professional growth.
“It can be challenging when the data you gather doesn’t say what you want it to say,” Lisa says. “You’ve got to be humble, which makes for a good exercise in critical thinking. Things not going to plan can help with creativity — it forces us to consider if there are other ways to look at the problem.”
On multiple occasions, Lisa has consulted with Olivet’s accreditation team and developed campus- wide surveys that were used to clarify institutional priorities. In 2024, she embraced a new position as associate dean of Institutional Effectiveness (IE). In addition to her new research-based position, she has maintained a partial course load of teaching that has allowed her to witness the human experience behind data points, both qualitative and quantitative.
“One of the reasons I wanted to help with IE was the ability to use my research skills in a way that would have fairly immediate impact for the campus community,” Lisa says of her work. “We use institutional research to meet government requirements and accreditation standards, but the ultimate goal is to help the University thrive by enhancing the student experience. Given that we look at effectiveness of programs, being able to speak into what affects students, particularly those who are at a disadvantage, has been very fulfilling.”
Lisa, for your commitment to institutional effectiveness, academic excellence, investment in the campus community, dedication to Olivet’s mission, and faithful service to our Lord, we salute you as the 2025 Faculty Member of the Year.
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