College of Education Dean honored by major psychological association

As an expert in counseling psychology and career development, Y. Barry Chung ascribes to the idea that career success is a result of two seemingly contradictory factors: happenstance and self-agency. Indeed, the dean of San Diego State University’s College of Education has been propelled by both on his path to earning one of his field’s top honors.

In January, Chung was named recipient of the 2025 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology from the American Psychological Association (APA), the world’s largest professional organization of psychology. 

"I'm still in a little bit of shock that I would be chosen for the award,” Chung said. “It seems almost like a lifetime achievement.” 

Chung has led the College of Education since 2018. But ending up here — even ending up in counseling psychology at all — goes back to the idea of happenstance. 

Born in Hong Kong, Chung attended National Taiwan Normal University as an undergraduate with the idea of becoming a social worker. During his studies, however, he realized his true passion was working with individuals and helping them with mental health issues. 

When he applied to graduate school in the United States, Chung didn’t have much of a plan. He admits to looking at any program with the word “counseling” in its name. He elected to go to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for its highly ranked program in psychology, with special training in vocational psychology — a specialty that applies psychological science to issues of work behavior. 

Good fortune provided a perfect fit. 

"I didn't know the advisor who was assigned to me was such a high-caliber person," said Chung, referring to Lenore W. Harmon, an internationally known scholar in counseling psychology and vocational psychology. “I got to learn from the best.” 

The success that came next, however, came through tireless effort. Chung resolved to learn to say yes to his mentors. To say yes to career opportunities.

“As a first generation Chinese immigrant using English as a second language and as an openly gay man, there was a lot against me,” he recalls. “So there were times when I didn't know if I should pursue this or that opportunity. But I had mentors who saw something in me and told me ‘Barry you should do this.’

“It was at a time when I lacked self-confidence, but I trusted my mentors. Without those encouragers, I would be stuck in my own self limitation. I devoted my career to supporting diverse students in education and training, using what I learned from my own experience."

Chung’s nomination for the award was suggested by another mentor, University of Oregon Professor Emerita Linda Forrest, whom Chung credits for helping to shape his path as a leader.

The honor recognizes Chung’s prodigious research and advocacy related to racial, sexual orientation and gender identity issues in psychology education and training; his successful mentorship of doctoral advisees; as well as his long history of leadership within APA.

Chung previously served on the organization’s Board of Educational Affairs and he recently began a three-year term as a member of the APA Finance Committee. He also played an integral role in moving APA towards supporting and accrediting master’s programs in health service psychology.

The award will be officially bestowed at a virtual ceremony this fall.

“There are so many phenomenal past recipients of this award who have done so much in the field of education and training,” Chung said. “When I look at them, I feel like this award is a tremendous honor."