The Texas A&M University–Central Texas chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, has earned national recognition as a 2024-25 Psi Chi Model Chapter — one of just 40 chapters selected from more than 1,150 worldwide.
The distinction highlights the chapter’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Eligibility for the award requires active chapter operations, including the induction of new members, participation in Psi Chi elections, involvement in national and local activities, community service and submission of an annual report to Eye on Psi Chi, the society’s official magazine.
Leading the chapter’s efforts were President Tyler Stafford, Vice President Ariana Espinosa Grimaldo, Secretary Michelle Sandy, and Treasurer Marshall Trubee, alongside faculty advisors Dr. Malin Lilley and Dr. Madelynn Shell. The chapter will receive a $100 award and a custom certificate from Psi Chi in recognition of their achievements.
The A&M–Central Texas chapter, which partners closely with the university’s Psychology Club under the joint name “Psy2,” hosted a range of activities throughout the academic year, striving to create a welcoming environment for all students — including those participating remotely.
Among their most impactful initiatives was the Hurricane Helene donation drive, which provided essential supplies for victims in North Carolina. The group collaborated with a local military unit and collected clothing, toiletries, pet food, and other necessities from the campus community. Club members personally delivered the donations to the affected areas, demonstrating Psi Chi’s core value of service.
Psy2 was also active on campus, taking part in university-wide events such as the Fall Festival, Warrior Wonderland, and Warrior Preview Day. During Warrior Week, members showcased their dedication to psychology by presenting research posters at Scholars Day, winning a banner competition with a design inspired by Albert Bandura’s iconic “Bobo doll” experiment, and hosting the chapter’s second Psi Chi induction ceremony.
Their efforts were recognized at the 2025 Student Leadership Awards, where Psy2 was named Organization of the Year. Grimaldo received the Commitment to Excellence Award, and Dr. Shell was honored as Outstanding Student Organization Advisor.
With plans already underway for the 2025-26 academic year, A&M–Central Texas’ Psi Chi chapter and Psychology Club are preparing a new lineup of events and leadership initiatives to further their mission on campus and in the community.