Forty Under 40: J. Judd Harbin

J. Judd Harbin, 39, has been interested in psychology since he was a child and had a natural curiosity about the human mind.

His experience as a freshman at Birmingham Southern College led him to an interest in higher education and student development.

Upon graduating in 1992, Harbin went on to get his master’s in psychology and a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Mississippi.

In 1998 he came to the University of Arkansas to teach. He also ran a private practice from 2003 to 2006.

In 2006, Harbin became an elected member of the Arkansas Psychology board of directors.

In 2009, Gov. Mike Beebe appointed him to the state licensing board for psychology, a recognition he counts as one of the highlights of his career.

Harbin serves as the faculty sponsor for the student organization People Respecting Individual Differences and Equality. He also serves on a committee of the American Psychological Association dealing with lesbian, gay and bisexual issues.

As the associate dean of students in the division of student affairs, Harbin said he has learned how to wed psychology with student development.

His advice to students is to apply your strengths to things you like to do.

“When we bring our talents and strengths to things we enjoy, success follows,” he said.