FACULTY PROFILE Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary Graduate School of Psychology M.A., Psychology, Duquesne University M.A., Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary B.A., Psychology/Theology, Franciscan University
“LOVE TO LEARN, LEARN TO LOVE” Dr. Keith Houde Leads AMU Psychology Department By ANNIE CLARK
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ossing aside his fly rod for luring trout in the cold waters of Maine in favor of a saltwater spinning rod for grouper in the warmer climes of Southwest Florida is one adaptation Dr. Keith Houde has easily made. But it was his son’s college visit to a new campus near one of the Gulf of Mexico’s best fishing spots that turned into a life-changer for Houde, too. Three years ago, Houde, who worked as a clinical psychologist, specializing in combat PTSD and health psychology for more than 20 years in his native Maine, made the move south. He came to campus to head the new Ave Maria University psychology department. “What I’ve always wanted to do is teach psychology from a clearly Catholic view PHOTOGR APH BY BRENDAN WES TON
of the human person,” he said. The firm foundation the department was being built on sealed his decision to come here. Dr. Keith Houde teaches his There was much work to be done in the psyFoundations of Psychology chology department’s first years, and Houde has class. Houde is the chair of the Psychology department. been responsible for designing nine academic courses from the ground up. He is also proud to have developed relationships with three internship sites so far, and is excited about the opportunities that these will present for his students. “The future of the psychology department at Ave Maria is bright, very bright,” he said, referring to the planned expansion of the department over the next few years. No student who has ever taken a class with Houde, who is a self-described student of Pope John Paul II, will be surprised to hear that he considers the previous pope his favorite psychological thinker and the person who inspired him most to become a psychologist himself. Houde is calm and composed as he articulates his educational philosophy, which he says can be summed up in one quote by John Paul II: “Education in love as self-giving.” His greatest hope for psychology graduates is “that they would understand who they are as persons, in the fullness of what that means, and that they would understand that the personhood they have been given is a gift to be lived and shared with others.” Current student and senior Cheryl Moleski enjoys Houde’s teaching style. “Being in Dr. Houde’s class, you can really tell that he loves God and loves psychology,’’ she said. “He is very caring, understanding, and always up for a cheesy pun.” Former student Janet Holtfreter also praises Dr. Houde. “When listening to Dr. Houde talk you can definitely tell that he is extremely passionate about the material he teaches, but that he is even more passionate about passing his love and desire for helping others on to everyone he encounters.” She said that he succeeds in following his maxim “love to learn and learn to love.” Dr. Stefanie Badzinski joined Houde in the department last fall. Serving under a strong and committed leader was important to Badzinski, and Houde’s role as such was instrumental in attracting her to the position and inspiring her as a colleague. “I am regularly impressed by his kindness, humility, and intelligence,” she said. Turning in his skis, snowshoes and mountain hiking boots for an interest in Florida wildlife and AMU athletics, Houde remains an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and photography. The Houde family, which includes his wife Mary and their five children, have learned to embrace change, even if it means no changing of seasons or chilly New England weather. “It has not taken me long to adapt to winter in Florida,” he said.
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Doctoral Dissertation: “The Christian Personality Theory of Paul Tournier”
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