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Jonathan Stadler, Professor of the Psychology Department, smiles while posed in front of a gray textured background.

Jonathan Stadler

Professor
Department: Psychology Department
Phone: 507-344-7837
Office Location: Honsey Hall 325
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Biography

I grew up in Nashville, TN, and West St. Paul, MN. After attending college in Iowa, I attended graduate school for psychology (neuroscience) at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Upon completing my degrees, I taught at Fisk University, a historically black college, for ten years before moving back to Minnesota to teach at Bethany. Thus, I consider myself a Midwestern Southerner. (Nashville Hot Chicken hot dish, anyone?) I am married to a wonderful woman from Mississippi whom I met in Nashville. We have a son and a daughter, both born in the South, so I guess we’re a “Southern” family, living in Minnesota. (We eat the traditional Southern New Year’s Day meal every year.)

Education

  • Ph.D., Psychology (neuroscience), Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN, 2002)
  • M.A., Psychology (neuroscience), Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN, 1996)
  • B.A., Psychology & Biology, Cornell College (Mt. Vernon, IA, 1993)

Academic Interests

  • Integration of Academic Psychology and the Christian Faith
  • Psychopharmacology (addiction processes)
  • Neuroscience/Biological Psychology
  • Cross-Cultural Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Psychology & Popular Culture
  • Psychology of Religion

Memberships

  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • APA Division 2 (the Society for the Teaching of Psychology)
  • APA Division 6 (Society for Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology)
  • APA Division 28 (Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse)
  • APA Division 36 (Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality)
  • APA Division 52 (International Psychology)

Presentations/Publications

  • Stadler, J.R. (August 12, 2025). Integrating the Christian Faith and Psychology – A Model for Counselors. The Soul’s Apothecary Training Workshop, Mankato, MN.
  • Stadler, J.R. (July 28, 2023). What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You! ELS Lutheran Youth Association Convention, Mankato, MN.
  • Stadler, J.R. (March 14, 2020). Seven Suggestions for Christian Men: A Multivitamin for the Spirit. Men’s Greasy Breakfast, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN.
  • Stadler, J.R. (March 21, 2018). Evolutionary Psychology: Why You Need to Know What It Is. In-Depth Speaker Series, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN.
  • Stadler, J.R., Edwards, S., & Kruger, A. (August 7, 2017). Uniquely Blessed and Challenged: The Value (and Pitfalls) of Cross-Cultural Outreach, Dialogue, and Understanding. Panel Discussion for the Lutheran College Conference at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN.
  • Stadler, J.R. (October 14, 2011). Legos and Playlists: Teaching Students in Introductory Psychology about Empathy. Workshop at the 10th Annual Best Practices in Teaching Psychology Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Stadler, J.R. (2010) Hyperactivity. In K. Lomotey (Ed.) Encyclopedia of African American Education. Sage Publication.
  • Wilson, J.H., Stadler, J.R., Schwartz, B.M., Goff, D.M. (2009). Touching your students: The impact of a handshake on the first day of class. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 9(1),108-117.

Awards

  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Psi Chi (International Psychology Honors Society)

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that the educational environment should be one where the teacher not only imparts wisdom and knowledge to students as part of his or her God-given vocation, but also equips students with the tools to gather knowledge and wisdom themselves in service to their discipleship in Christ and God-given vocation throughout their lives.

Additional Campus Responsibilities

  • Chair of the Institutional Review Board
  • Psychology Department Chair

Hobbies/Interests

I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, and having discussions about theological and philosophical themes in music and movies. I also enjoy traveling, going to concerts, playing church softball, and playing pickleball with friends.