Lessons from 43 Years of Teaching Psychology

July 8, 2026 - 04:38

Dr. Roxanne Sullivan, the longest-serving faculty member at Bellevue University, has spent 43 years teaching psychology. Her career spans a dramatic shift in higher education, from traditional classrooms to the digital age. As a developmental psychologist, she helped move the university's psychology program online without sacrificing academic quality or student connection.

Reflecting on her decades in the field, Sullivan emphasizes that psychology's true power is practical. It is not just about theories or lab studies. The greatest value, she says, comes from applying psychological principles to everyday life. Understanding how people think, feel, and behave can improve relationships, work performance, and personal well-being.

One major lesson she shares is the importance of adaptability. When the program went online, she had to rethink how to keep students engaged. She found that clear structure, frequent feedback, and real-world examples worked better than long lectures. Another lesson is that teaching is a two-way street. Sullivan notes that she learned as much from her students as they learned from her, especially about the challenges of balancing school, work, and family.

For new psychology students, she offers simple advice: be curious about people, but also be patient with yourself. Learning about the mind takes time, and the best insights often come from personal experience, not just textbooks. After 43 years, Sullivan still finds joy in watching students discover how psychology helps them understand their own lives.