L. Alvin Malesky

Biography

Alvin Malesky, Ph.D., MBA is the department head of Psychology and a full professor at Western Carolina University (WCU). He is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina and has advanced training in the practice of forensic psychology. Dr. Malesky’s current research interests deal with academic integrity violations in higher education. He has published and presented on this topic at national and international conferences. Dr. Malesky has received several research and teaching awards over the past 17 years at WCU including the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award.<br><br>Dr. Malesky received his B.A. in Psychology from George Mason University, his M.S. in Counseling from The University of Southern Mississippi, and his Ph.D. from The University of Memphis. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina and his postdoctoral Forensic Fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Malesky also earned an MBA from WCU in 2016.<br><br>Dr. Malesky conducts pre-employment evaluations of law enforcement officers as well as testifies in court as an expert witness. Dr. Malesky has also appeared as an expert on several television news shows where he addressed various psychological related topics.<br><br>Dr. Malesky’s father was a diplomat and consequently he grew up overseas. Dr. Malesky values international travel and cross-cultural exchanges. He developed a travel course at WCU where students visit multiple countries in Europe during the summer to study World War II and the Holocaust. Dr. Malesky is always looking for new educational opportunities and experiences for his students.

Education

• Ph D, University of Memphis
• MS, University of Southern Mississippi
• BA, George Mason University

Teaching Interests

Dr. Malesky has taught numerous undergraduate courses at WCU including: General Psychology, Human Sexuality, Introduction to Forensic Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Sexual Victimization, Introduction to Clinical and Counseling Psychology, The Psychology of Hate, and Senior Seminar. He has also taught the following graduate courses at WCU: Advanced Psychopathology, Theories of Psychotherapy, Group Psychotherapy, Advanced Forensic Psychology, Thesis Supervision, and Dissertation Supervision.<br><br>Dr. Malesky’s current teaching load includes: Introduction to Forensic Psychology (PSY-375), Senior Seminar (PSY-495), Abnormal Psychology - Online (PSY-470), The Psychology of Hate - International Travel Course (PSY-393), and Graduate Practicum Supervision (PSY-686).

Research Interests

Dr. Malesky’s research has evolved from his early focus on psycho-legal issues to his more recent work examining academic integrity in higher education. <br> <br>Dr. Malesky’s research has been recognized by both his peers at WCU (e.g., he was the recipient of the <i>University Scholar Award</i> and the <i>Innovative Scholarship Award</i>) and on a national level (e.g., his research was featured in <i>The Chronicle of Higher Education</i> - http://chronicle.com/article/Ina-Fake-Online-Class-With/234687). <br> <br>You can find out more about Dr. Malesky’s publications and presentations from his CV on this page. You can also learn more about Dr. Malesky’s research team at: https://wcupsy.wixsite.com/academicintegritylab

Curriculum Vitae