Philipp J. Kraemer

The Chellgren Endowed Chair, Philipp J. Kraemer, is a Professor in the Department of Psychology. Prior to appointment as Chair, he served as Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (2001–2008) and Dean of Undergraduate Studies (1999–2001). He was originally appointed as Assistant Professor of Psychology in 1989, promoted with tenure to Associate Professor in 1992, and subsequently promoted to Professor in 1996. While on the faculty in the Psychology Department, he served as Director of Experimental Psychology (1994-1996) and Department Chair (1996-1998). He received his B.A. in psychology from SUNY Buffalo, an M.A. in experimental psychology from SUNY Geneseo, and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Western Ontario. He held previous academic appointments at Purdue University, Binghamton University, and Randolph-Macon College. His research focus covers a variety of issues pertinent to the study of memory and cognition with an emphasis on biological and evolutionary perspectives. He has authored and co-authored over 60 publications in peer reviewed journals, and his research has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. His current research program concentrates on the psychology of belief, the cognitive basis of innovation, and policy issues pertinent to higher education.

The Chellgren Chair is expected to maintain an active research program commensurate with the appointee’s status as holder of a senior faculty appointment. A significant portion of the appointee's instructional time will be allocated to the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, a newly founded unit also supported by funds from the Chellgren family. The Center serves as the University's focal point both for innovation in premier undergraduate education and for dissemination of those innovations that hold the greatest promise for a wider student audience.  The Chellgren Chair assumes a leadership role within the Center, serving as a spokesperson and advocate for undergraduate excellence with both on- and off-campus constituencies. The appointee will also be expected to teach one course per year in either the Honors Program or the Discovery Seminar Program, two premier undergraduate programs affiliated with the Chellgren Center. The Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education serves as the administrator of the Center. For a more detailed description of the responsibilities assigned to the Chellgren Chair, click here.