Organizational psychologist Dr. Ann Marie Ryan has been a vital member of the Michigan State Department of Psychology since 1996. Throughout leadership roles, mentorship of students, and substantial contributions behind the scenes, Dr. Ryan has made significant impacts on the department, Michigan State University, and the field of industrial-organizational psychology (I/O).
“Ann Marie’s service to the department and to Michigan State and her research in advancing the field of industrial-organizational psychology has been truly remarkable. A powerhouse in the field, Ann Marie is known for her thoroughness, dedication, and selflessness,” said psychology department chair Dr. Kevin Ford. “As her colleague and as her friend, I will miss her steady presence and wisdom in the department!
Dr. Ryan first became interested in I/O as a sophomore in college when her statistics professor used examples from projects that he had worked on as an I/O psychologist. She was drawn to the practical application of psychology, so she decided to double major in Psychology and Management—ultimately pursuing I/O psychology rather than pursuing a career in business.
Dr. Ryan’s major research interests involve improving the quality and fairness of employee selection methods. Her most recent research focuses on newer uses of technology in hiring contexts, designing more effective recruitment processes, and addressing ways to mitigate potential unfairness in hiring contexts.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ryan has published extensively with over 200 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Additionally, she regularly consults with organizations on improving assessment processes.
Dr. Ryan has served as president of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, served as a journal editor for a leading journal in her field, Personnel Psychology, and served on multiple National Academy of Science committees. She won the Losey Award for Human Resources Research from SHRM in 2021 and the Academy of Management Sage Award for Outstanding Scholarly Contributions to the Study of Diversity.
Having advised 37 PhD graduates and taught countless undergraduates and research assistants, Dr. Ryan is leaving a legacy of mentorship. She received the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award in 2022 from Michigan State University, the APAGS Raymond D. Fowler Award for Outstanding Mentoring from APA, and the SIOP Distinguished Teaching Contributions Award.
“Teaching and mentoring so many students that have gone on to do such amazing things stands out to me. Knowing that I made a difference as a teacher and mentor is something that I am proud of,” said Ryan.
Additionally, Dr. Ryan is proud to have brought scientific and technical expertise to designing fair hiring processes. She served on committees about entry testing for the Department of Defense from 2005 to 2012 and for the Department of State’s Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service from 2012 to 2021. She provided guidance on how to have fair hiring processes for major testing programs, served on advisory committees, and consulted with many major companies and public safety agencies, and will continue some of this work in retirement.
In retirement, Dr. Ryan plans to share her expertise in a voluntary capacity with causes that are meaningful to her, explore through traveling, learn new and exciting things, and spend time with family and friends.
Dr. Ryan has sage advice for those who remain at Michigan State: “Take a moment to send a thank you note to a teacher or a mentor who made a difference for you or send a note of appreciation to someone whose research paper really excited or impressed you. Those random emails and cards have always been especially motivating and affirming for me in my career.”