Southern Connecticut State University instructor and veteran school psychologist Eric Elias has earned one of the highest honors in his field, receiving the School Psychologist of the Year award from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
The national award recognizes professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student mental health, learning, and comprehensive school-based services. “These honorees represent the very best of our profession—deeply skilled, compassionate, and unwavering in their commitment to helping all children learn and thrive,” said NASP President Shawna Rader Kelly.
With more than 30 years of experience, Elias bridges direct student support with the preparation of future practitioners. In Meriden Public Schools, he has helped lead district-wide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), co-chaired social-emotional learning and counseling curriculum efforts, and conducted school-based neuropsychological assessments. At Southern, he has taught psychology as an adjunct, serves on the advisory board for the School Psychology program, and trains graduate students in assessment, ethics, and child development.
Elias is especially passionate about social and emotional learning, social justice, and evidence-based assessment, practice, and intervention. He has also served as president of the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists, co-authored the Connecticut Guidelines for the Practice of School Psychology, and published on MTSS, racial equity, and psychological assessment.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it honors work that spans supporting students and families in public schools while also mentoring future school psychologists at Southern,” Elias said. “We rarely enter this field expecting recognition — the focus is on service, advocacy, and impact.”
