Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund awards grant for psychological tests

The Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund recently awarded Concordia Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. George Toman a grant for $17,000 to purchase multiple psychological tests for use in both undergraduate and graduate courses at the university. The tests will offer students in the social sciences the opportunity to gain hands-on experience administering and scoring these clinical assessments.  

Toman joined Concordia’s faculty as an assistant professor of psychology in 2024 and teaches both introductory and upper-level courses in the department. About the grant money he received from the Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund, he said:  

“The...fund allows Concordia faculty and staff to significantly enhance their professional contribution to the university’s mission to the church and world. I applied for this grant and was awarded funds to purchase several cognitive and behavioral assessments for the Human and Social Sciences department. Having direct access to these assessments helps enhance the learning opportunities we offer in multiple undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology. Also, this opens the door for collaborating with other departments – like our education faculty – as many of these assessments can benefit the learning opportunities for their students as well.”  

“I am excited to integrate these resources into my classroom. I want to personally thank the donors and university leadership for providing this opportunity for our students,” he said.  

The Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund was developed as part of Concordia’s SALT and LIGHT strategic plan to encourage and celebrate faculty and student scholarship, with a particular focus on how different disciplines intersect with the Christian faith. Learn more about the fund here.