News

Associate Professor Matthew Brodhead received an Outstanding Mentor award from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The award celebrates scholars who have contributed to their students’ success through mentoring and leadership. 

Brodhead was honored during the organization’s 50th annual convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 25.  

“Mentorship is, at its core, the most important and enjoyable thing I do in my professional role,” said Brodhead. “Mentorship is the conduit through which I can ensure our students are best prepared for their future academic and practice-based roles. Further, quality mentorship has a ‘trickle-down’ effect on future generations, as MSU students will one day be leaders in their respective fields, who will then be charged with mentoring the professionals around them.”  

Brodhead’s nomination stood out from what ABAI noted as a “substantial number” of nominations because of the powerful nomination letters provided from former MSU students. The letters included examples of how Brodhead impacted their personal, professional and academic development.  

Alums also indicated that Brodhead’s support and commitment to their success continued beyond graduation.  

In the words of the students, Brodhead: 

• “[goes] above and beyond what is expected from a mentor,” and  
• “[possesses] the knowledge, passion and determination to ensure each of [his] students receive the education they deserve, while helping them to become the best version of themselves” 

Notable career advancements at MSU

Though the award emphasizes Brodhead’s work in mentoring, his impact on the broader field of behavior analysis nationally and at MSU is also evident.  

Brodhead is recognized within the academic community as one of the foremost experts in the areas of ethics and professionalism in the practice of behavior analysis.  

In recent years, he co-wrote two new books focusing on research ethics and practical ethics, respectively, for behavior analysis. In 2023, he joined a faculty team supporting a fellowship to prepare school psychology and behavior analysis professionals. He has also published 60 peer reviewed papers, 35 of which have at least one student co-author. 

“Mentoring and training the next generation of scholars and leaders is a core mission of the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education (CEPSE). Matt Brodhead is an example of excellence in mentoring,” said Red Cedar Distinguished Professor and CEPSE Chair Kui Xie. “The ABAI Outstanding Mentor award truly showcases his commitment to mentoring and supporting students in the field. I am very proud of Matt’s accomplishment. Congratulations!”