Dr. Larry Morse Retires
After nearly thirty years of service at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Dr. Larry Morse retired in May 2006.
Dr. Morse is originally from Birmingham, Michigan, a small suburb located just north of Detroit. He attended Central Michigan University, where he completed both his B.S. and Master’s degree. Dr. Morse went on to earn a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis at Western Michigan University.
Dr. Morse joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1977 and became department chair in 1994. He taught a diverse array of courses during his time in the department, including General Psychology (100), Psychology as a Discipline and Profession (101), Research Methods (271), Principles of Learning (302), Introduction to Behavior Modification (380), Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (385), Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (390), and the Senior Research Seminar (470).
In 1981, Dr. Morse and student Barry Bruns started the Behavior Science Research Group (BSRG) for the purpose of reading and discussing literature pertaining to behavior analysis. BSRG continues to be a very active student/faculty group today. Members read book chapters, generate questions, and meet on a bi-weekly basis for discussion.
Dr. Morse went on to develop the Behavior Analysis Emphasis, which was implemented by the Department in 2000. The Emphasis is a sequence of coursework and internship experience uniquely available to undergraduate students at UW-Eau Claire. Students who complete the emphasis are eligible to take a national certification exam to acquire the credential Associate Behavior Analyst.
In addition to establishing BSRG and the Behavior Analysis Emphasis, Dr. Morse developed the Homecoming Alumni Symposium, which evolved into what is now known as our annual Career Night. Career Night provides a wonderful opportunity for current students to meet UW-Eau Claire psychology alumni and to learn about the wide array of career possibilities open to students with a degree in psychology.
Throughout his entire career at UW-Eau Claire, particularly during his twelve years as department chair, Dr. Larry Morse played a significant role in helping Psychology to become the outstanding department that it is today.
