The psychology program within the School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling at Southern Adventist University recently renovated its space to include a new student hub, a central area near professors’ offices where students can gather to collaborate on homework or catch up with friends. The project was made possible through Giving Day donations, and the space is dedicated in memory of Professor Ruth Williams.

Prior to being updated, the newly named Psych Pod functioned almost exclusively as a workroom for teaching assistants. Now, the space features couches, desks, a snack bar, and a screen with laptop connections, making it a space for students to connect and share ideas.

“The new space feels so much homier,” reflects Melissa Mendes, senior psychology major. “Because we can be here just studying or grabbing a snack, it’s much easier to connect with professors as well as our classmates.”

The updated Psych Pod is dedicated in memory of Ruth Williams, affectionately known as “Mama Ruth,” who served more than three decades as a professor. She was the longest-acting director of the program (between 1991 and 1995 and 2000 and 2022) prior to her retirement in 2022 and passing the following year.

Cristy Pratt, ’04, associate professor, was taught by Williams during her undergraduate psychology studies at Southern and was later recruited by the beloved advisor to join the teaching faculty. She notes that professors Tron Wilder, ’01, PhD, director of the psychology program, and Matt Tolbert, ’01 and ’05, PhD, were also students of Williams who benefited from her mentorship.

“She had a way with students and an ability to simultaneously connect with us and challenge us,” Pratt shares. “What a mentor! Students would line up outside her office to talk to her. Because she encouraged a sense of belonging throughout the department, we strive to continue the vision she instilled in us by fostering the same type of environment she created.”

Open to current students since August of this school year, the Psych Pod was officially dedicated on October 28. Williams’ daughter and several other family members attended remotely alongside past faculty members who worked with Williams.

The project was funded entirely through donations given during Southern’s 2024 and 2025 Giving Days. The annual fundraising event at Southern provides opportunities for alumni, community members, employees, students, and other friends of the university to lend financial support for designated projects in specific academic and student support areas across campus.

The unique fundraising aspect of Giving Day allows gifts to be earmarked for improvements in departments that are near and dear to donors’ hearts.

The original article was published on the Southern Adventist University news site.