Professor of Psychology
University of Richmond
Leary, a psychology professor at the University of Richmond, teaches courses that unravel the relationships between history, philosophy and religion. Active in many organizations, he chaired the American Conference of Academic Deans, the major national organization of deans devoted to liberal education.
Much of Leary's research centers on the issues of selfhood and the psychology of American society and culture. He has co-edited several books, including A Century of Psychology as Science, which was awarded the American Publishers Award. Ongoing research includes the influence of literature on psychology. He has published some 40 articles and chapters and more than 30 reviews and commentaries.
A native Californian, Leary received his B.A. in philosophy from San Luis Rey College, his M.A. in psychology from San Jose State University, and his doctorate in history from the University of Chicago. Prior to coming to Richmond in 1989 as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Leary taught psychology, history and the humanities at the University of New Hampshire.