AN ENDURING LEGACY

Norman B.
Anderson

Psychologist · Visionary · Scholar · Mentor

His Story
Explore His Research
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National Recognition

A National Voice for Mental Health Awareness

As CEO of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Norman B. Anderson was a national voice for mental health as a core part of overall health. In June 2013, he joined President Barack Obama at the White House National Conference on Mental Health, where he called for mental health professionals to be part of every primary care team. His work helped bring mental health into the center of research, policy, and public conversation.

Pictured with President Barack Obama at the White House National Conference on Mental Health, June 2013

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Welcome

A Personal Welcome

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A Life of
Extraordinary Impact

A legacy of leadership, research, and groundbreaking contributions that continue to shape lives and inspire change.

Co-Published a Foundational Biopsychosocial Model of Racism as a Stressor, 1999

One of the first models linking racism to physical health outcomes for African Americans.

Founding Director, NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research​

Led the National Institutes of Health's first office dedicated to behavioral and social science.

First African American CEO & Executive Vice President, American Psychological Association​

Broke barriers as the first African American to be elected and later serve as CEO of the APA.

First African American CEO & Executive Vice President, American Psychological Association​​

Broke barriers as the first African American to be elected and later serve as CEO of the APA.

Philanthropy & Enduring Impact

A Legacy of Giving

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Norman believed that opportunity changes lives. Through scholarships, endowments, professional awards, and gifts to institutions, his generosity continues to support students, scholars, researchers, and future leaders for generations to come.

NBA Home Study
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North Carolina Central University

Norman B. Anderson Psychology Scholars Endowment

Created to support underserved and under-represented graduate psychology students, this endowed scholarship reflects Norman’s lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity and excellence in the profession.

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Kappa Alpha PsiFraternity, Inc.

Kappa Chapter Scholarship Fund

Supporting high school students in the D.C. community on their path to college, reflecting Norman’s belief in the power of education and the potential of young leaders.

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UNC Greensboro

A Gift to Advance Scholarship

Norman’s final scholarly contribution—a four-volume collection on health psychology—has been entrusted to UNC Greensboro’s psychology library as a commemorative collection in his honor.
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Society of Behavioral Medicine

Supporting Early Career Professionals

Through dedicated funds, Norman supports early career members of the Society, helping cultivate the next generation of researchers and leaders in the field.
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Scholarship Impact

Supporting the Next Generation of Psychology Leaders

Through the Norman B. Anderson Psychology Scholars Endowment at North Carolina Central University and the Psychology Endowment at UNC Greensboro, his legacy continues to open doors for the next generation of scholars.

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This scholarship let me focus on my research instead of worrying about tuition. Dr. Anderson’s name on my award reminds me every semester what it means to give back.
Psychology Scholar
North Carolina Central University
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Coming from a family where college felt out of reach, this endowment didn’t just cover costs — it told me someone believed in students like me.
Psychology Scholar
North Carolina Central University
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Because of this endowment, I could take an unpaid research position that shaped my entire career path. That opportunity changed everything for me.
Psychology Scholar
North Carolina Central University

A Legacy of Contemplative Leadership

Preserving His Impact.
Advancing His Vision.

The work continues through scholarship, mentorship and service — carried by the people and institutions he helped shape.
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Mentorship

Preparing Future Leaders for Service

Guidance and mentorship offered in his name to the next wave of psychologists.
NBA Home Study

Research

Norman's Research

Studies on health, stress and wellbeing that continue to inform practice today.
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UNC Greensboro

A Life of Service

Communities and institutions still shaped by the standards he set.
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Emotional Longevity · Dr. Norman B. Anderson with P. Elizabeth Anderson

Selected Works

Ideas that continue to inform and inspire.

In Emotional Longevity: What Really Determines How Long You Live, Dr. Anderson — with co-author P. Elizabeth Anderson — draws on decades of research into how emotions, relationships, meaning and biology shape how long, and how well, we live.

Further writings and publications from across his career will be added here over time.

Explore Selected Works
Explore Retreats

Continuing Norman's Work

Retreats, Workshops and Talks

Programs inspired by Dr. Anderson’s approach to contemplative leadership, growth and service.
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Retreats

Contemplative Retreats

Immersive experiences supporting reflection, renewal and purposeful leadership.
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Workshops

Leadership Workshops

Practical, reflective learning for leaders and teams seeking more humane ways of working.
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Speaking

Talks & Keynotes

Presentations exploring leadership, wellbeing, service and Dr. Anderson’s continuing legacy.
Explore Retreats

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Selected Works

Moments from an extraordinary journey.

Portrait – academic setting
Celebrating together at a university reception
With Bradley Cooper – mental health awareness event
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Get in Touch

Connect With Us

We’d love to hear from you. Questions, memories, or ways to get involved.

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With gratitude, from family and friends.