Dr. Steven Voss

Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences; Associate Professor of Psychology

Dr. Voss began teaching psychology full time in 1996 and has been at HLGU since 2009. He teaches a number of different psychology courses including those that are practice oriented (Introduction to Counseling) as well as those that are research oriented (Data Analysis and Research Methods). He finds working with students to be one of the most enjoyable parts of his career. Dr. Voss especially enjoys watching students learn they are more capable than they previously believed. As a professor, he wants to help students grow academically, spiritually, and relationally. He believes that education involves teaching the whole person with the goal being to see growth in all areas of life.

Dr. Voss have always been fascinated by what it means to be a human person created in God’s image. This has led to interests in human relationships, intimacy, attachment theory, and the integration of psychology and theology. Working to integrate various ways of knowing, including science and revelation allows for a more complete understanding of humanity. He is also interested in applications of psychology in fields such as counseling, international and cross-cultural issues, and trauma.

His advice for new or prospective students is that they work to create balance in their lives. He says, “Students need time to study as well develop relationships with friends, classmates, and professors. Get to know your professors. Get involved socially but also learn to ask questions and think as you read books and other assignments.”

Educational Background

  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1996
  • M.A. in Religious Education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1996
  • M.S. in Psychology, New Mexico Highlands University, 1992
  • B.A., Buena Vista College, 1987

Teaching Areas & Research Interests

  • Attachment
  • Trauma
  • International Trauma and Disaster
  • Attachment and Marital Quality
  • Defensiveness and Attachment
  • Integration of Psychology and Theology
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Marriage
  • Intimacy

Publications

  • Voss, S. L. (2014). A foundation for spirituality in counseling. Transformation, 8(3), 4-5.
  • Voss, S. L. (2013). Words, minds, and transformation. Transformation,6(2), 6-8.
  • Voss, S. L. (2013). Words and Understanding. Transformation, 6(3), 4-5.
  • The church as an agent in rural mental health, Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1996.

Professional Experience

  • Poster presentation at The Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention May 2010. Boston, MS. Lesher, S. K., Alberts, K. S., Voss, S.L., Dove, J. J., Dengel, S. J., & Roads, J. Motivation Correlates with Mathematics Anxiety in Students at a Community College.
  • Symposium Speaker at Western Psychological Association Annual Convention 2010. Cancun, Mexico. Title: “Psychology on the Hoof: Cross-Cultural Study Abroad.
  • Member of Summer S.T.E.P. Research Team studying math anxiety (Summer 2009) Truman State University
  • Presentation to Truman State University Faculty Forum entitled “CalmingAnxiety to Learn Mathematics” (C.A.L.M.) along with co-presenters Scott Alberts and Jane Roads (November 2008)
  • Served on the Missouri State Department of Higher Education Curriculum Alignment Initiative Committee to assist in developing entry-level and exit-level competencies in the area of social sciences. (Fall 2007)
  • Co-Presentation at the Missouri Community College Association: November, 2007 Title: “Math Anxiety: What We Learned in Our Pilot Study”
  • Text Book Reviewer for Worth Publisher. (2006) Reviewed section on Development in Young Adulthood in Janet Belsky’s new book, “Experiencing the Lifespan.”
  • Text Book Reviewer for Worth Publisher. (2005) Reviewed chapter on emotion for the 8th edition of Psychology by David G. Myers.
  • Presentation at the Missouri Community College Association: November, 2005 Title: “Psychology on the Hoof: Cross Cultural Psychology Abroad”