Psychological Assn. Honors Professor

Cal State Fullerton psychologist Ronald E. Riggio has been named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Western Psychological Assn. It is the first time the group has given such an award.

Association President James L. McGaugh, a UC Irvine professor who specializes in brain chemistry, described Riggio as “eminently distinguished.”

“Your record will set a high standard for subsequent candidates,” McGaugh said in his statement announcing Riggio’s selection.

The 37-year-old Yorba Linda resident will be given the award in April at the psychological association’s annual conference in Phoenix.

Riggio has twice been voted Professor of the Year by psychology majors at the university. He has also received recognition within the 29-campus California State University system for “meritorious performance and professional promise.”

He is the creator and supervisor of the university’s internship program in industrial and organizational psychology, which has led to work experience for more than 150 students.

“This award reflects particularly well on our psychology department, because it recognizes teaching excellence, a clear area of strength for our faculty and especially for . . . Riggio,” said P. Chris Cosby, acting dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Fullerton campus.

Riggio joined Cal State Fullerton in 1982. He earned his doctorate in social personality psychology at UC Riverside.