A "Thanks NDSU" retirement reception honoring Kevin McCaul, professor and senior adviser in the Department of Psychology, is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 4-6 p.m. in the Harry D. McGovern Alumni Center atrium.

McCaul, who joined NDSU in 1978, served six years as department chair and was dean of the College of Science and Mathematics from 2006-12. He also served two terms as interim dean, including one with the College of Human Development and Education.

His research has focused on relationships between cognitions, feelings, and self-protective health behaviors. In particular, he has connected thoughts about risk and worry in the context of breast cancer screening and smoking behavior.

McCaul's research funding has come primarily from the National Cancer Institute, including a five-year award as a senior investigator.

McCaul said he will miss his colleagues in the department and College of Science and Mathematics, many people across the NDSU campus and the students he has mentored since returning to the department in 2012. McCaul also mentored approximately 25 graduate students who completed their degrees.

He earned his bachelor's degree at Southern Methodist University and his doctorate in social psychology at the University of Kansas.

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