Wendy Jerome: Founder of the Sport Psychology program at Laurentian University

This article is not written about an Alumni, but about someone who has made a huge contribution and addition to the Laurentian community. She’s a strong advocate about pursuing your passion, she is a sport enthusiast, and most importantly, she's the founder of the Sport Psychology program at Laurentian University… Meet Wendy Jerome.

In high school Wendy had found an immediate passion for art, and expressed that she originally thought that’s what she was going to attend school for. However at the time, the only schools offering programs in the arts were located in Vancouver or Toronto, and because of financial difficulties, Wendy wasn’t able to able to pursue that. But Wendy also had a deep love for sport, and one day at a career fair she learned about a Physical Education Program. She decided that this program would be the best fit for her, and accepted the challenge. What Wendy didn't know at the time, was that this decision was going to lead to a lifetime of love for studying sport, and uncovering her true passion. Four years later, she graduated with a Phys-Ed Degree from the University of Alberta, and ended up teaching at a high school for a year in Alberta. One of the components of being a Physical Education teacher was teaching the health program to students as well. Wendy realized she really didn't like the way that the health program was set up, and the way that the information was dispersed, especially in terms of sex education for teenagers. Wendy then decided that she wanted to go back to school, and ended up attending Oregon College. Four years later she graduated with a Degree in Health.

When Wendy was attending school in Oregon she met her husband, and they moved to Vancouver together where she pursued teaching again in a high school. However, Wendy was not done with her passion for learning, and she went back to school in Oregon for her Doctorate. She originally wanted to attend school for Administration, but one day heard a coach talk about a Sport Psychology program. This immediately sparked an interest in Wendy, and she was instantly eager to learn more about it. Wendy was a coach at the time, so the psychology of sport really inspired her, and she thought to herself, “that’s part of what i’m missing as a coach.” Wendy wanted to pursue this, but when she brought this up to the Dean at Oregon College, he had no idea what sport psychology was. Determined, Wendy went to the Psychology Department and asked if she could take a few courses there alongside taking Administration. One of the Professors was quite interested in the work she was doing, so he went to the Dean with her and they created a joint program in Administration and Psychology. Wendy ended up graduating with a double major PhD, but if you think she was done there, you’re wrong! Wendy realized that she needed assessment skills in Psychology, and completed another four years at the University of Alberta, graduating with a Degree in Clinical Psychology.

Wendy then applied for teaching jobs all over Ontario with the mission of eventually developing a Sport Psychology program. She got a job offer at McMaster University in Hamilton, but they wanted her to teach Anatomy. Wendy expressed that Anatomy was her most disliked course, so she turned down the offer. The University of Ottawa offered her a job teaching Health, but they were not interested in her creating a Sport Psychology program, so she turned down that offer as well. Wendy then got a job offer from Laurentian, which was the only school that offered her a teaching position, as well as expressed an interest in the creation of a new program. So Wendy took the job, and moved across Canada to start a new and exciting chapter in her life.

It was in 1969 that Wendy started working at Laurentian. She started off by teaching Philosophy, Sport Sociology, Motor Learning, and coached track and badminton. Wendy started building her Sport Psychology program, but waited until she built up her reputation and was quite successful with the work she was doing before presenting it to anyone. After a couple of years there was a new President at Laurentian, and he was looking to create new programs at the school. Wendy saw this as the perfect opportunity, so she presented her idea to him and he accepted it. Not only was this a major advancement for Laurentian, but this was also the first Sport Psychology program in all of Canada. The program that Wendy created is an Honours Degree program, and it’s a combination between Psychology and Physical Education. Students must take the requirements of both programs, as well as a few other Sport Psychology specific courses, an internship, and a research project. Wendy was allowed to select her own students from those who applied to the program, which she expressed was very exiting for her. As a result of Wendy’s passion for sport, one of the requirements to get accepted into the program was that you had to have a lot of background in sport participation. Other requirements consisted of having a certain amount of volunteer hours, an essay where applicants had to talk about themselves and why they were interested in sport psychology, as well as three references; one from a coach, one from a faculty member, and one from a volunteer supervisor. Another important part of the application process was an interview with the student and their parents. Wendy expressed that it was important to have a discussion with the parents to make sure they were properly informed about the program, housing availability, the financial component etc. This is one of many examples that shows Wendy’s care and devotion towards her students and her program. Wendy always went above and beyond, providing her students with the best opportunities. In her students third year, Wendy even brought them to a professional conference, where students completing their Master’s were presenting research projects applicable to their field of study. Wendy thought this would be a good idea for students to collect information, and gain the confidence for their own research projects.

Wendy spent 36 wonderful years at Laurentian, and once she saw the first students of the four year Sport Psychology program graduate, she decided to retire. Among all the amazing contributions Wendy has already made to Laurentian, she has also funds a bursary called the Sport Psychology Bursary, which is awarded to one student a year who best embodies what a Sport Psychologist represents. She has also funded a bursary for the University of Alberta for those in financial need.

Since Wendy retired at Laurentian, she moved back to Edmonton and has been actively involved with the University of Alberta. She is part of a peer mentorship program, where she is able to help and guide students as they complete their schooling. Whether it’s setting up connections, or getting students in touch with the right people for job opportunities, Wendy does everything she can to benefit the students. She is also actively involved with the Alumni Association, and volunteers her time for different events and activities at the University. Wendy is also still very passionate about athletics, and is actively involved in Masters sports. This year Wendy had won the Canadian Championships in mixed doubled badminton, she qualified for the Canadians in golf, and currently picked up a love for pickle ball.

Wendy is truly an inspiration, and leaves such a positive impact on everyone she meets. Through her love for school, her enthusiasm for sport, and her dedication to Sport Psychology, Wendy has proven that you can conquer anything that you put your mind too. Some insightful advise that Wendy had also shared was to make sure that you’re flexible and adaptive in the workforce. Follow your passion, and if opportunities present themselves, take them!