Kendra (Edwards ’12) Thomas

Psychology

Biography

After graduation, I completed my PhD in Educational Psychology at Ball State University and then accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Indianapolis. In 2022, my family and I moved to Holland, Michigan where I now serve as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College. I love my profession because I get to teach and research topics that are dear to me, such as developmental psychology and the psychology of justice and hope. My career has also opened many doors to research in my home country of Brazil, as well as China, Kenya, and South Africa. I am grateful for how Taylor University prepared me for graduate school and its commitment to using education to serve others.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

At Taylor, I got to engage in meaningful research that served other organizations. My experiences in research projects fostered my curiosity and my ability to take ownership and problem-solve. Whatever is important deserves data. I happen to use it in academia, but these experiences would've been useful in whatever path I had gone.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

Liberal arts pushed me to continuously read, write, and talk about ideas. It sometimes felt mundane because I couldn't see immediate growth, but the slow refinement of these skills is so important for long-term professional growth. I'm grateful I had professors who took the time to help me write, speak, and think critically.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

There will always be a shortage of people who are doing the right things for the right reasons. If students use their Taylor education in this way, they'll always have something to contribute.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

You may likely have multiple careers ahead of you. Find ways you can add value to the people/work around you. Focus more on how much you contribute instead of how good it looks on your resume.