Vernon Percy, PhD, LPC

Dr. Vernon Percy, Assistant Professor, joined the Psychology Department in August 2017. Dr. Percy brings nearly twenty years of higher education practice in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level as well as in academic/athletic counseling, and coaching. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Westfield State University, he attended Springfield College earning an M.Ed. in Counseling and Psychological Services with a specialization in Athletic Counseling. Dr. Percy completed his doctoral work at the University of Connecticut earning a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education.

He teaches WELL 100, Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, and Interviewing and Counseling courses, as well as courses in Fitness and Sports Psychology. He was integral in developing our popular Certificate in Youth Development, which includes his course in Sports-based Youth Development. He is student- centered in his approach to working with students and believes in creating transformational educational opportunities to promote individual growth.

Dr. Percy’s research interests focus on the role of sport in participant development, sport-based youth development programming, the application of sport psychology principles to enhance youth development, and service learning. He has presented research at regional and national levels, most recently on the topic of service learning (in sport-based youth development programming) in the curriculum.

Dr. Percy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has worked in clinical settings for many years as well as in sport psychology consulting.