Don Baucom, Ph.D.
I have been a university faculty member since I obtained my Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1976. I thoroughly enjoy the variety of experiences and opportunities that are part of my professional life, including research, teaching, clinical activities, consultation, and service to the field and University. My major area of professional interest centers around adults’ intimate relationships, such as marriage. For me, it is crucial to integrate my various professional activities in a way that makes a difference in people’s lives. Therefore, I conduct both basic and applied research about relationships, direct a clinical service at UNC offering couple therapy, train students and other professionals in how to conduct couple therapy and couple-based interventions, and provide clinical services myself—all with the ultimate goal of improving couples’ relationships. I approach this challenge in collaboration with colleagues at UNC and from other universities in the United States and around the world. One of my true joys is working with students at all levels, including undergraduates, doctoral students, and post-doctoral fellows. Helping students discover their own passions and assisting them as they develop professionally and personally is particularly gratifying for me.
I joined the Clinical Psychology Program in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC as an Assistant Professor in 1980 and now hold the position of Distinguished Professor within the department. In addition to conducting research and teaching throughout my career, I served for more than a decade as Director of Clinical Psychology at UNC. I also have served as a consultant on numerous academic research studies and to leaders in business and industry at various times in my career. I have spent a great deal of time developing and evaluating treatments for couples, and I enjoy training other professionals in the use of those techniques. I have conducted clinical training workshops and given lectures to mental health professionals across the United States and on six continents.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1976
Internship in Clinical Psychology, University of Minnesota, 1976
Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1971
HONORS AND AWARDS
University Distinguished Teaching Award for Post-Baccalaureate (Graduate) Instruction, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2020
Distinguished Alumnus Award, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2019.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Outstanding Mentor Award, 2015
David Galinsky Award for Excellence in Clinical Supervision, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2011, 2013
Rosa Swanson Award for Contributions to Positive Workplace Environment, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2013
Endowed Chair, Richard Simpson Distinguished Professor of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008
University Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008
Outstanding Contributions to Science and Teaching, North Carolina Psychological Association 60th Anniversary Distinguished Service Award, 2008
Mary G. Clarke Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to Psychology in North Carolina, 1997
Pardue Distinguished Term Professor of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1994
Tanner Award, University-wide Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1992
Undergraduate Teaching Award, Psychology Department, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1989