Media Room

Dr. F. Gary Mears of the University of the Rockies was awarded Emeritus Status by the University of Texas at Tyler for his many years of loyal service and contribution in the field of psychology.

The highest academic rank within the state university system was awarded to Mears after 34 years of employment with the University of Texas. Dr. Mears is currently the Director of Neuropsychology at the University of the Rockies.

“I am grateful to have been bestowed this honor,” said Dr. Mears. “I am looking forward to bringing the same discipline to my work over at the University of the Rockies. The university has a bright future with our new president, Dr. Charlita Shelton. The students at this school are some of the best and brightest, and I look forward to teaching them.”

To obtain the Emeritus status within the University of Texas system, a professor must have a formidable array of recommendations including a sufficient publication history, doctoral training and the ability to demonstrate teaching effectiveness through a teaching award.  In addition, professors must have a research grant and obtain unanimous department of psychology faculty approval, academic affairs approval, university president endorsement, university Emeritus Committee endorsement, and unanimous approval by the University of Texas board of regents at Austin.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Mears on board at the University of the Rockies," said Dr. Charlita Shelton, president of University of the Rockies, an academic institution of Bridgepoint Education. "We congratulate him on his achievement and look forward to working closely with him.”

Dr. Mears has published over 50 articles and written two international textbooks. In addition, he holds a Ph.D., Psy.D. and a M.S. Pharm. D. He was awarded the Piper Foundation Teaching Award, and he also obtained a grant for his notable research on Alzheimer’s.

The University of Texas system is the largest in the United States. Emeritus status is a life-time appointment.

About University of the Rockies
University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in psychology programs at the master’s and doctoral levels at its campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, University of the Rockies also offers specialized degree programs online. San Diego-based Bridgepoint Education is the parent company of University of the Rockies, formerly known as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. University students provide free and low-cost psychological services to the underserved through the University of the Rockies Foundation’s Switzer Center. The Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization supporting students through scholarships, assistantships and other activities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858/531-9240 x2513.