Yutrzenka is the fourth recipient of this award since 2008. The Thorn Award recognizes contributions in the development of innovative ways to build and measure program quality, contributions to the community of Directors of Training, demonstrated achievement in assuring good outcomes for graduates of their program and principled advocacy for the scientist-practitioner philosophy of education and training at the local, state, or national level.

A Director of Training for 23 years, Yutrzenka was honored for her outstanding service to clinical psychology as well as her dedication to improved training and research methods. In addition to directing South Dakota’s only American Psychological Association accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology, Yutrzenka has been recognized for her excellence as a teacher and advisor, has served as a consultant on professional ethics concerns in the state and region, and has an extensive record of professional presentations and publications in her discipline. Additionally, she was appointed by former South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds to serve on the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychology in 2005; was a recipient of the USD Chapter of Psi Chi's Outstanding Psychology Faculty in 2008; received the Belbas-Larson Excellence in Teaching Award (tenured faculty member) in 2000; and served on the Board of Directors for the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology for four years.

Yutrzenka received her bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, and her master’s degree and psychology Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota. She joined the faculty at The U as an assistant professor of psychology in 1984. A photo of Yutrzenka with the award is available for download at www.usd.edu/press/news/images/releases/Barbara_Yutrzenka.jpg.

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