Buffie Longmire ’02 on Path to Ph.D. in Community Psychology

After getting accepted into four graduate school programs, Buffie Longmire ’02 chose to pursue a Ph.D. in community psychology at DePaul University, Chicago, Ill. She will graduate tomorrow as a double major in psychology and art.

When attending psychology classes during a visit to Lafayette, Longmire says, “it just clicked for me. I could see myself here. I’ve always felt welcomed. I just jumped in and got involved.” Using her photographic skills, she became historian for NIA, a multicultural women’s group, and Association of Black Collegians. She was a resident adviser for three years, serving as head resident for two. In addition, she was coordinator of the Kids in the Community program.

A psychology major from Watertown, Mass., Longmire says having the opportunity to do undergraduate research combined with “wonderful academic advising helped me reach my goal of attending graduate school.”

As an EXCEL Scholar, Longmire assisted Matthew McGlone, associate professor of psychology, with research on the impact of perceived stereotypes on academic performance of different genders and ethnic groups. “Most undergraduates do not get the chance to be this involved in the process. Lafayette provides a wonderful environment for learning beyond the classroom.”

Longmire displayed her photography in an exhibit at David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center as part of an independent study with Curlee Holton, associate professor of art. Longmire says close involvement with faculty has been a big factor in her academic success as well as an internship doing art therapy at an Alzheimer’s clinic. “But my honors thesis with Andrew Vinchur, associate professor of psychology, has had the most impact,” she notes. Longmire studied what factors lead to a bias in effectiveness ratings for leaders who display particular leadership styles.