Longtime New England PsyD in Clinical Psychology faculty member Kathi Borden, PhD, recently stepped down from a six-year position as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Professional Psychology: Research and Practice (PPRP), a publication of the American Psychological Association. PPRP is one of the foremost journals in the field of psychology, and a successful run editing it marks a significant milestone in Borden’s distinguished academic career.
As Editor-in-Chief, Borden championed the journal’s core mission of bridging psychological research and practical application. The journal, known for publishing superior qualitative and quantitative research with meaningful insights for practicing psychologists, requires contributions that demonstrate clear implications for psychological practice.
“Kathi’s contributions to the journal represent the values of our PsyD program, which trains students to apply the scientific foundations of psychology to their practice,” said Vincent Pignatiello, PsyD, Chair of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Psychological Services Center. He went on, “Her decades of experience and expertise helped to shape the vision for psychology by ensuring high quality, applied research made it into the field.”
During her tenure, Borden led and managed several key initiatives that significantly expanded PPRP’s influence. Notably, she played a pivotal role in shaping the journal’s evolution through two major projects. One of her key contributions was overseeing the launch of the Ethics in Motion series—a special collection of articles featuring multiple authors’ perspectives on complex ethical and professional issues that lack simple solutions. She collaborated with an associate editor to bring this initiative to fruition. Borden also introduced a fellows program initiative from the APA aimed at increasing diversity in editorial roles within APA journals. Each year, PPRP selects two early-career professionals—within 10 years of earning their doctorate—to serve as editorial fellows. This program not only promotes diversity in the editorial field but also provides mentorship in manuscript management, helping to cultivate the next generation of editors.
Borden also brought opportunities back to Antioch for students and colleagues to get involved. “Kathi brought these values and resources to our community and invited us to engage with her on such important and game-changing issues,” says Lorraine Mangione, PhD, professor and director of Practica in the program. Borden’s editorial leadership meant actively involving doctoral students in the academic review process. During just this past year, five Antioch New England PsyD students—Henna Chandel, Alison Fletcher, Phoebe Lewis, Jennifer Mayette, and Molly O’Reilly—were among just fourteen students nationwide who conducted manuscript reviews for the journal. As Mangione explains, Borden “brought a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and thoughtfulness, as well as interaction with the rest of psychology, to our Department through her role.”
Reflecting on her experience, Borden encourages more Antioch psychology faculty and students to get involved in peer review and editorial roles. “I hope more Antioch faculty and students will take part in reviewing articles and even consider moving into editorial work. It’s a great way to stay informed on developments within and beyond one’s expertise.”
With her term concluded, Borden has transitioned to an Associate Editor role, one that she held for six years prior to her editorship. As Associate Editor, she will support the incoming Editor-in-Chief, Susan Simonian. This continued involvement ensures a smooth leadership transition and reflects her commitment to the journal’s mission.
As she stepped down, Borden expressed gratitude to numerous colleagues who supported her work, including faculty members Ted Ellenhorn, Dean Hammer, and Lorraine Mangione, who served as Editorial Board Consulting Editors. She also acknowledged past New England PsyD faculty Roger Peterson and Glenda Russell, as well as ad-hoc manuscript reviewers Karen Meteyer and Nancy Ruddy.
Her legacy at PPRP underscores the journal’s critical role in translating psychological research into practical applications, embodying the essential connection between scientific understanding and professional practice.
“Editing a journal is a complex and collaborative process, added Borden. “I appreciate Antioch’s support in this endeavor, and I am grateful to have met and developed friendships with many talented colleagues along the way.”
