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James Woolcock

Graduate Profile: James Woolcock

At Alma College, James Woolcock not only learned the tools he needed for a 30-year career in psychology but also realized the importance of a liberal arts education.

“In addition to the wonderful staff in the Psychology Department, I owe a good deal of my professional success to two men: Dr. Ron Massanari and Dr. M.J.J. Smith,” the 1975 graduate says. “They taught me to think critically and, most importantly, to write. Those two intellectual skills are the hallmarks of a liberal arts education.”

They taught me to think critically and, most importantly, to write. Those two intellectual skills are the hallmarks of a liberal arts education.

The Saginaw native has worked as a mental health administrator for Genesee County for 12 years. He hopes to become the CEO of a mental health agency.

Woolcock knew he wanted to study psychology in high school and was attracted to Alma by the small campus.

While at Alma, Woolcock met his wife, Robyn, and worked the switchboard in Wright Hall.

 

Spring Term at Alma is a one-month immersion on a single academic topic that offers learning experiences not typically available during the more traditional 15-week fall and winter terms. For example, during Spring Term ‘07 students explored important cultural sites in China, worked to restore a Jewish Holocaust cemetery in Poland, analyzed ethic politics in Scotland, and studied medieval literature in London.

 

Graduate Profile

Robyn Woolcock
Graduation: 1976
Major: Psychology

At her brother’s suggestion Robyn Laird Woolcock came to Alma College planning on being a school psychologist. The faculty and vast research opportunities kept her on track to her goal.

“One of the great benefits of going to a small school is that undergraduate students have the opportunity to work directly with faculty on research or other types of projects,” the 1976 graduate says.