Division of Humanities & Social Sciences
Faculty
Dr. David Cater
Professor of Psychology
dcater@jbu.edu
David Cater received his B.A. in psychology from Pasadena College, his first and second M.A. from California State University, Los Angeles, and Fuller Theological Seminary respectively. He received his Ph.D. from Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology. Currently, Dr. Cater is interested in the neuroscience of the severe and persistent mental disorders, the integration of psychology and theology, and the understanding of how both theology and science contribute to a complete worldview.
Dr. Cater incorporates these interests into the courses he teaches: Introductory Psychology, Theories of Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Field Placement, Introduction to Therapeutic Interviewing, Theories of Personality, Senior Seminar in Psychology, and History of Psychology. He also teaches Concepts in Astronomy in the JBU Advance Program. Of the many courses Dr. Cater covers, he especially enjoys the Senior Seminar in Psychology, Theories of Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, and Introduction to Therapeutic Interviewing.
Dr. Cater has been a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Psychological Association, the National Register for Health Service Providers in Psychology, and the New York Academy of Sciences. On the JBU campus, Dr. Cater sponsors and is a member of Psi Chi, the national honors society for psychology majors. He co-sponsors the Psychology Club.
Apart from the field of psychology, Dr. Cater enjoys astronomy and musicology. He is a co-founder of the first Christian amateur astronomy club in the U.S. This interest in the wonders of astronomy also includes writing an astronomy column for Community Publishers, Inc. in Northwest Arkansas and directing the stargazing CASE club (Christian Association of Stellar Explorers) on campus as well as building telescopes with fellow club members. In the field of amateur musicology, Dr. Cater enjoys choral singing and is an active member of the Chorale of the Ozarks, a society that presents choral concerts throughout the year. He is a past president of this organization. He has also served as a board member of Sager Creek Arts Council. Dr. Cater is an ordained elder, PCUSA, and a member of the worship committee at his local church.
When not busy with classes or clubs, Dr. Cater delights in spending time with his wife of almost 40 years. In fact, his first priority is his family! He also enjoys visits with his two married daughters and he greatly enjoys visits with his 3 grandchildren.