• B.A., Eckerd College, 1989
• M.S., University of Michigan, M.S., 1990
• Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1994

Social psychology

Psychology of women

Gender roles- what happens when either men or women violate expected gender roles

Michele Acker is chair of the department and professor of psychology, with emphases in social psychology, industrial organizational psychology, and personality. She received her doctorate in social psychology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Acker's areas of expertise are in close personal relationships, social stereotyping, the scholarship of teaching, and social influences involving the internet. Some of her research examines perceptions of intimacy between relationship partners and the role that suspicion and trust play in relationships. She teaches courses in general psychology, social psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, psychology of women, personality, and research methods. In 2000, she won the junior faculty teaching award.