Holroyd named Ohio University Distinguished Professor

By Jennifer Kirksey Smith

Ohio University Professor of Psychology Kenneth Holroyd received the Distinguished Professor Award Saturday, Nov. 9, during the 25th annual Honors Convocation in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

The Distinguished Professor Award recognizes scholarly accomplishment, professional reputation and contribution to the University. A lifetime designation, it provides one quarter of professional leave and the privilege of naming one student annually to receive a Distinguished Professor Scholarship.

Holroyd's research has focused on understanding and alleviating the suffering associated with the type of pain disorders that disrupt the lives of millions of individuals. This work includes laboratory studies that help us understand how common "everyday" pain problems may transform over time into persistent, life-impairing chronic pain disorders. It also includes clinical trials that evaluate promising new non-drug therapies, such as biofeedback training, and determine if state-of-the-art drug and non-drug therapies can be combined to more effectively treat chronic headache problems.

In addition, he has developed educational programs that empower individuals by helping them understand and self-manage chronic headache disorders such as frequent migraine headaches. This work examines the interface of psychology and biology -- how psychology influences biology and vice versa -- and has influenced both health psychology and medicine. Holroyd received his doctorate from the University of Miami (Florida).

"I appreciate the recognition for not only myself but for all the people who worked on the research projects including graduate students, physician collaborators and colleagues," Holroyd said.

The Honors Convocation, held annually since 1978, celebrates undergraduate student scholars, recognizes the generosity of donors who give to Ohio University student scholarship funds and honors distinguished professors. This year, 2,900 awards were made possible through private gifts of $3.4 million.

Distinguished Professor of Physics Steven Grimes, who received last year's Distinguished Professor Award, delivered the keynote address. Grimes reflected on the changes that occurred over the last 200 years at Ohio University and has focused on what has been and what is now. He admitted there is a lot more challenge in trying to predict the future.

"One rather safe prediction is that we will continue to see change. Without knowing exactly what these changes are, I believe it is fair to say that those educated today will be prepared to meet these challenges," Grimes said. "At some point the student receives a degree, but we need to remember that a well-educated human being is one who has been prepared to go on learning the rest of their life."

Jennifer Kirksey Smith is a media specialist with University Communications and Marketing.