Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership

Faculty

Dr. Barbara Watters is a professor of practice and the MPS program director. She has 15+ years of university teaching experience in industrial/organizational psychology, leadership, social psychology, and research methods. She also has 13 years of business experience, working at a Fortune 500 company at its headquarters. Dr. Watters held positions in internal consulting and organizational effectiveness and has taught leaders and employees how to analyze business problems to improve their customer service, eliminate waste, create new products and services, and develop their skills.

Dr. Richard Bakken is a member of the teaching faculty in the psychology of leadership program. An experienced educator, he also serves as associate director in OIT at Princeton University. His leadership research is focused on higher education administration in a global setting and student affairs, exploring the impact of native students attending western universities in Doha, Qatar. His research interests include applied leadership informing administrators how students describe their learning experiences in Western university environments and ways that technology can impact those processes.

Dr. James M. Dobbs is an instructor of organizational management, psychology, and leadership. He has been a behavioral change agent for almost 15 years, coaching and mentoring high-potential leaders who are thriving and successful, as well as those who are struggling and derailing. His current research and writing involves leadership development and self-awareness, toxic leadership, cynicism, and assessment of leadership programs. He understands that the pace of change facing organizations requires multiple approaches to leadership development and requires more adaptive, flexible leadership.

Dr. Keith Gatto has more than 25 years of experience in both industry and academics and has taught professionals domestically and internationally. His research and teaching focus is on the intersection of innovation, leadership, and positive psychology. He works extensively with Silicon Valley industry leaders on the development of positive employee mindsets that impact the culture and productivity of organizations. Before working in academics, Dr. Gatto worked in various organizations, including Vanguard, CIGNA, and MFS Investment Management.

Dr. Leslie Hennessy has taught courses in leadership, creativity, strategic planning, nonprofit program evaluation, and marketing.  She is an experienced researcher and author.  Her business experience in for-profit corporations includes international marketing and manufacturing operations leadership. As a cleared adviser for the U.S. Department of Commerce, she advised on numerous international trade agreements. She also continues to serve on nonprofit boards and consults with nonprofit sector organizations.

Dr. Douglas Lindsay is an instructor of courses in leadership and psychology. He served as a behavioral scientist in the United States Air Force for 22 years, where he studied human behavior and leadership in the military context. He has served in numerous leadership positions and is an accomplished researcher and speaker with more than 100 publications and presentations on topics related to leadership, leader development, and leader education and training. The founding director of the MPS in the Psychology of Leadership, he is currently a professor at the United States Air Force Academy.

Dr. George Mastroianni teaches courses in the psychology of leadership. Having served in the U.S. Army as a research psychologist, Dr. Mastroianni has considerable experience conducting applied psychological research to solve problems, evaluate new equipment, and measure and improve human performance. He has also published extensively on obedience, ethics, and leadership. His current research and scholarship focus on the psychology of the Holocaust.

Professor Obidinski teaches several courses, including Ethics and Leadership and the Psychology of Leading Work Groups and Teams. Over the course of his career, he has served as an attorney in private practice and has held executive leadership roles in ethics, compliance, and human resources at several Fortune 100 companies. He works closely with professional athletes on career management initiatives and with small businesses on employee and business development projects.

Dr. Peter J. Reiley has taught university-level courses in leadership, psychology, and management for over a decade. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience ranging from leading a national nonprofit to service in the United States Air Force as a program manager for the multibillion-dollar U.S. space launch program, leading blended teams of military personnel, government civilians, and contractors from Fortune 500 companies. He is an international scholar with more than 50 publications and presentations on leadership, power, influence, and military veteran transition and has consulted for organizations across the government and private sectors.

Dr. Jill K. Wheeler is an instructor in the MPS in Psychology of Leadership program. In addition to teaching, she is a consultant with expertise in developing practical business solutions to help organizations succeed by selecting, developing, engaging, and retaining outstanding talent. She possesses a broad experience base, having worked for 20 years in Fortune 500 and privately held companies in a variety of industries. Dr. Wheeler has also authored or delivered more than 20 publications and presentations on topics including employee selection, job satisfaction, performance management, and leadership.