MSU-Meridian’s McCullum named president-elect of National Association of School Psychologists

Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State University-Meridian faculty member is the incoming leader of the largest organization of school psychologists worldwide.

Charcelor “Chase” McCullum, a school psychology assistant teaching professor, is president-elect of the National Association of School Psychologists. His election represents a three-year leadership commitment beginning this summer. After his term as president-elect, he will serve as president and then past president.

McCullum has been a member of NASP for more than a decade and is the current strategic liaison for professional development. He also has served as the organization’s Mississippi delegate and chaired its leadership development committee. As president, he said he wants to listen to members, connect leadership to practice and focus on real needs from the field, including NASP goals related to workforce shortages, social justice and implementing best practices in school psychology.

“Stepping into the role of president-elect and future president of NASP is both an honor and a privilege because it allows me to represent and support a field and organization I truly love,” McCullum said. “There are so many amazing and diverse school psychologists working diligently to meet the needs of students, families, school staff and communities, and this role gives me the opportunity to elevate their voices and showcase their work. I am grateful that the work I do every day at MSU—supporting, mentoring and preparing future school psychologists—will now extend across the country as I connect with and support professionals nationwide and continue strengthening our impact for students and families.”

According to NASP, the association represents more than 24,000 school psychologists, graduate students and related professionals across the globe and “works to advance effective practices to improve students’ learning, behavior and mental health.”

“Dr. McCullum’s election to this role is a significant honor for him and for MSU,” said Kimberly Hall, associate dean of MSU’s College of Education and head of MSU-Meridian’s Division of Education. “His leadership reflects the strength of our school psychology program and the important work our faculty are doing to prepare professionals who support the academic success, mental health and well-being of students. We are proud to see one of our faculty members representing both our university and Mississippi in a leadership position within the world’s largest organization of school psychologists.”

McCullum holds the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential and is the school psychology program coordinator in MSU-Meridian’s Division of Education. Among his accolades, he was listed in the Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 and received the 2023 NASP Presidential Award for Exceptional Service to Children and School Psychology. McCullum holds a doctorate in adult education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s in education administration from Lamar University, a master’s and educational specialist degree in school psychology from Florida State University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Mississippi.

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