Mission
To provide opportunities for students of African descent to discover and engage their strengths within the field of psychology, facilitate meaningful community involvement and engagement via outreach, and to promote as well as support the social, academic, and career development needs of students who identify as Black (or of African descent) interested in professional careers in psychological sciences.
Organization Development & Aims
Though the department of psychology has demonstrated an increase in exceptionally qualified BIPOC student admissions and faculty hires, it was noted that Black students, specifically, grappled with the lack of representation, mentorship, and cultural familiarity in their academic pursuits and professional development experiences. Founded in the spring of 2021, the aim of TUNT ABPsi was to establish a growing network of colleagues at various phases in their careers (e.g., students, interns, post-docs, early career psychologists, established psychologists) that may provide information, support, guidance, and mentorship to students who identify as Black or of African descent interested in pursuing careers in psychology while also providing education, and promoting psychology in Black communities of north Texas. Of note, the objectives of this organization closely align with its national organization (Association of Black Psychologists https://abpsi.site-ym.com/).
Ultimately, the goal, individually and collectively, is to embody Jegna (Jegnoch - plural form), a term introduced by Dr. Wade Nobles to represent individuals who:
- have been tested in struggle or battle;
- demonstrated extraordinary and unusual fearlessness;
- shown determination and courage in protecting h/er people, land and culture;
- shown diligence and dedication to our people;
- produced exceptionally high quality work;
- dedicated themselves to the protection, defense, nurturance and development of our young by advancing our people, place and culture
*information pulled directly from Dr. Nobles' site, linked above
Officers 2025-2026
President: Raven K. Gipson-Washington, M.A.
Raven K. Gipson-Washington (she/her) is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at
the University of North Texas (UNT). Raven specializes in culture, identity, and wellbeing.
Her
primary research interests focus on the psychological wellbeing of Black women, particularly
strong Black womanhood and culturally relevant psychological assessment and intervention.
Raven has a special interest in public scholarship and community psychological education
via
social and traditional media as well as the utilization of psychology to understand
and address
social justice issues.
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Vice President: Prynce Fant
Prynce Fant Clinical Psychology Student with interest in social cognition and adolescence
Favorite hobby: Cooking and going to art shows
Interesting fact: I was born in Spain and have lived all across the United States
Favorite Sports Teams: I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles and Oklahoma City Thunder fan
Professional Interests: As a clinical psychologist, I want to work in a medical setting
preferably on the
east coast somewhere.
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Treasurer: Amber Williams
Amber Williams is a 4th-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at the
University of North Texas. Under the mentorship of Dr. Martinque Jones, her research
broadly
focuses on the psychology well-being of Black women and improving accessibility of
mental
health services for underrepresented populations. In her free time, Amber enjoys reading
books,
taking dance classes, and visiting new restaurants with her husband.
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Secretary & Past President: Quanisha Whittfield
Quanisha Whittfield is a 3rd year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D program. She earned her
Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Baylor University and her Masters degree in Clinical
Mental
Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Her research interests broadly
center the
holistic wellness of Black women and culturally relevant intervention development
using yoga
and meditation. Quanisha also serves as the National Convention co-chair on the ABPsi
Student
Circle Board of Directors. Quanisha’s a huge foodie and loves exploring new restaurants!
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Graduate Community Service and Social Media Chair: Dionne Regis
Dionne R. Regis is a second year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her
Bachelor’s degree in French and African American Studies from University of Virginia
and her
Master’s in Counseling Psychology: School Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia
University. Her research interests broadly look at how identity-based discrimination
in everyday
settings and in media have negative impacts on the self-esteem of women in the Afro-Diaspora
and leads to increased risk of anxiety and depression for women within the Afro-Diaspora.
Dionne is very passionate about translational research and advocacy.
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Undergraduate Community Service and Social Media Chair: Zahria McCray
Zahria McCray
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Undergraduate Representative: MyLeiyah Morrow
MyLeiyah Morrow Hi there! Currently a junior majoring in Psychology
with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. I am passionate about exploring
psychological concepts and understanding human behavior especially when pertaining
to
underrepresented communities. In the future, I plan to earn my Psy.D. and pursue a
career as a
clinical psychologist!
*TUNT ABPsi Student Circle Chapter is an equal opportunity organization. We celebrate diversity and welcome any individual who is interested in learning about the Black community as well as those looking to contribute to improving equity in advanced academic/professional opportunities and increasing Black representation in psychology
**The national organization, ABPsi, is in receipt of our formal letter of interest/intent and application; status pending