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Bethany College Appoints Dr. Adam Croom as Chair of Psychology

BETHANY, W.Va. — Bethany College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Adam Croom as the new chair of psychology. An accomplished educator, researcher, and practitioner with extensive experience in cognitive psychology and a proven track record of excellence in teaching and mentoring students, Croom brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this important position, having previously served as a professor of cognitive science at several top universities. 

Croom received his Ph.D. from Glasgow Caledonian University, where he focused on semantics, pragmatics, and language cognition. He has published numerous articles and book chapters on this topic and is widely recognized as a leading expert in the field. He has also held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California Merced. In addition, Croom has maintained an active research practice for over a decade. Before accepting this position, Croom taught the cognitive science of language, music, and social cognition at the University of California, Berkeley.

“Dr. Croom is the perfect and obvious right choice to fill the spot at Bethany College as our new chair of psychology,” says Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi. “His impressive background and expertise in cognitive psychology, his passion for teaching and mentoring students, and his commitment to research makes him an ideal fit for this role. We are confident he will substantially advance what is already one of our most attractive and largest majors. I am grateful to Dr. Croom for joining us at Bethany and providing our students with a world-class education in psychology.” 

In accepting the position, Croom expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the talented faculty and students at Bethany College. 

“I’m very happy to join the students and faculty at Bethany College as Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology,” says Croom. “I look forward to supporting my students and colleagues and sharing my love for psychological research with the Bethany College community.” 

Croom is an associate editor of “Philosophies,” associate editor of “Frontiers in Social Philosophy,” guest associate editor of the “Philosophies Special Issue on the Philosophy and Science of Martial Arts (2023),” guest associate editor of the “Language Sciences Special Issue on Slurs (2015),” and guest associate editor of the “Frontiers in Psychology Special Issue on Music and the Embodied Mind (2015).” Croom is also on the editorial board of the “Journal of Language and Discrimination,” and the “Baltic Journal of English Language, Literature, and Culture.” Croom has also peer-reviewed several scholarly journals.  

ABOUT BETHANY COLLEGE 

Bethany College, founded in 1840, is the oldest private college in West Virginia. The Bethany experience focuses on academic excellence in the area of liberal arts and prepares students for a lifetime of work and a life of significance.