In Memoriam: Donna Gelfand, Ph.D.

The College of Social and Behavioral Science mourns the passing of Dr. Donna Gelfand, a distinguished psychologist, beloved mentor, and former dean of the college who leaves behind an enduring legacy of excellence in research, leadership, and service. Dr. Gelfand’s remarkable career helped shape the trajectory of the college and the lives of countless students, colleagues, and researchers around the country.

Dr. Gelfand earned her B.A. from Reed College in 1958 and completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at Stanford University in 1961, studying under the influential psychologist Albert Bandura. She joined the University of Utah in 1963, where she built a prolific research career that spanned decades, focusing on maternal depression and its effects on infant and child development. Her longitudinal studies revealed the far-reaching impact of maternal mental health on children’s social and academic adjustment - and more importantly, demonstrated how early intervention could improve outcomes for both mothers and children. Her work was funded nearly continuously by the NICHD and NIMH from 1966 to 1995.

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In addition to her research, Dr. Gelfand co-authored a widely adopted textbook, Understanding Children’s Behavior Disorders, which served as a critical resource for students and professionals alike through four editions.

Dr. Gelfand made history at the University of Utah as the first woman to chair the Department of Psychology and the first woman to serve as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science, serving in the role from 1990 through 1999. While she was never one to focus on titles or accolades, her tenure marked a period of thoughtful innovation and resilience. She established the college’s first development advisory board, led by Brent Scott and composed of influential alumni whose ongoing support helped lay the foundation for future fundraising and outreach efforts.

She led the college through difficult budgetary periods with a calm, pragmatic approach, and championed the role of external grant funding in advancing research. Under her leadership, the college launched the Environmental Studies Program (now called Environmental and Sustainability Studies), exemplifying her forward-thinking approach to interdisciplinary collaboration.

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“I’m grateful for Donna Gelfand’s leadership and vision during her tenure as dean," said Dr. Michelle M. Camacho, current dean of the CSBS. "She helped shape our identity as a college that values both academic rigor and public engagement. Her legacy is evident in the programs she nurtured, the faculty she mentored, and the many students whose lives she enriched."

Dr. Gelfand was also a national leader in her field, serving as president of the Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12) of the American Psychological Association. In 1990, she became the first woman at the University of Utah to receive the Distinguished Research Award - an extraordinary achievement that reflected her deep contributions to her field.

In addition to her titles and awards, Dr. Gelfand is remembered fondly as a mentor. “She took great pride in mentoring assistant professors.  Through informal settings over lunch at Ruth’s Diner or discussing academic life on a mountain hike, she shared her tacit knowledge of how to succeed in academia so generously.  Her guidance was so instrumental to so many of us in our  careers.  Her wisdom, mentorship and presence will be deeply missed,” commented Dr. Cindy Berg, former dean of the CSBS.

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Dr. Gelfand brought that same sense of balance and vitality to her personal life. Whether attending yoga classes or hiking the Wasatch Mountains with a botanist’s knowledge of wildflowers, she exemplified a life well-lived - rooted in purpose, generosity, and curiosity.

Her impact on the College of Social and Behavioral Science and the broader academic community will be felt for generations to come. We honor her memory and express our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.