Dr. Westefeld is the current President of The American Psychological Association’s Division 17: Society of Counseling Psychology. His Presidency is the culmination of 30 years of significant involvement in Division 17. Over that time, he has chaired the Awards, Hospitality Suite, Nominations, Prescription Privileges, as well as various Membership Committees. He has also served as Treasurer, Secretary Pro-Tem, Coordinator of Special Interest Groups and as a Board member on the CCPTP. He is a Division 17 Fellow and a Diplomate in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Westefeld’s Presidential Initiative is “Suicide Prevention.”

Dr. Westefeld received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Carolina in 1978 after completing an undergraduate major in psychology and a Master’s in Public Health from the same school. After graduation, Dr. Westefeld held faculty positions at Iowa State, Hood College, Auburn University, and currently the University of Iowa where he is in his 18th year as a Professor in the Counseling Psychology program.

Dr. Westefeld’s research interests include suicide, crisis intervention, severe weather phobia, and men’s health. He has published numerous scholarly articles over the years on suicide, professional issues in Counseling Psychology, and other topics related to his interests. His co-authored Major Contribution to The Counseling Psychologist in 2000 is a major work in the field and one that garnered him and his colleagues the first “Outstanding Contribution” award. He is the creator of the College Students Reasons for Living Inventory. He has served on the editorial boards of Journal of Counseling Psychology, Journal of Counseling and Development, Journal of College Student Development, Counselor Education and Supervision as well as being a reviewer for many other journals. Dr. Westefeld also contributes beyond academics through serving his community in various volunteer capacities.