Associate Professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Services Earns National Recognition Through Acceptance into the American Psychological Association’s Leadership Development Program
Columbia, SC, March 31, 2026, Dr. Desiree Bygrave, an associate professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Services, has been accepted into the APA Professional and Career Excellence Program.
The Professional and Career Excellence (PACE) Program is a selective six-month leadership initiative for early-career professionals in psychology and related fields offered by the American Psychological Association (APA) Leadership Development Institute. PACE equips participants with practical tools to advance their careers while fostering professional growth, authentic leadership, and connection to a national network of peers and alumni.
“As an early-career psychology professor, the PACE Program stood out to me because it is specifically designed for professionals at my career stage who are navigating increasingly complex roles while seeking professional growth. I applied with the intention of strengthening my effectiveness as a scholar, educator, mentor, and leader, and the program’s goals closely align with how I hope to develop in these areas,” says Bygrave. “I was particularly drawn to PACE’s emphasis on inclusive leadership, as I seek to grow in this leadership style, one that fosters collaboration, values diverse perspectives, and creates supportive environments for colleagues and students alike. I view PACE as a unique opportunity to further develop and sharpen these skills. This alignment is why I was particularly excited to apply, and I am thrilled to be accepted into the 2026 cohort.”
Dean Akilah Carter-Francique, School of Education, Health and Human Services, says, “We are proud of Dr. Bygrave and her acceptance into this selective program. She is a rising scholar in her field and the opportunity to hone her research skills while developing her leadership style through the American Psychological Association not only benefits her, but we know that it will benefit our psychology students and Benedict College.”
Bygrave, whose “career plans is always centered on students,” hopes to utilize the skills she will gain to enable her to contribute more effectively to departmental and college-wide initiatives, and believes that students will benefit by translating these experiences into more engaging, program- and career-relevant learning opportunities, guide them in navigating academic and professional pathways, and model the leadership and professional skills they will need in their own careers.
Bygrave received the South Carolina Independent College and Universities, Inc. (SCICU) 2024 Excellence In Teaching Award and holds two membership roles in the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA Division 2).
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Benedict College Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 29 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from several counties in South Carolina, states across America, and countries around the world. The College also has a diverse faculty deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service.
Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program in celebration of an HBCU that achieved next-level performance. Benedict was also named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest and voted the number one Gold Winner in The States’ BEST College or University in 2025.
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: Social Work Program, Environmental Health Science Program, Environmental Engineering, Studio Art, and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.