Cecil R. Reynolds

Noted psychologist, author, and test developer

What is Cecil R. Reynolds known for?

Dr. Cecil R. Reynolds, a noted psychologist, author, and test developer, was born on February 7, 1952, at the US Naval Hospital in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He graduated New Hanover High School in 1969 and embarked on a journey that led him to become one of the leading figures in psychology.

Reynolds initially turned his attention to sports, being drafted by the New York Mets and playing in various minor league teams. His athletic career was promising, making three all-star teams in different leagues, but a career-ending injury in 1974 forced him to shift his pursuits.

Pivoting to education, he earned his B.A. in Psychology in 1975 from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Subsequently, he attended the University of Georgia obtaining his M.Ed. in Psychometrics in 1976, an Ed.S. in School Psychology in 1977, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology in 1978. His diligence and excellence saw him inducted into the UGA Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in 2006.

At the inception of his academic career, he worked at the University of Nebraska, where he wrote grants to obtain the Buros Institute, now known as the Buros Center for Testing. After enduring the harsh Nebraska winters, he made a move to Texas A&M University (TAMU) in 1981. At TAMU, he was a professor of educational psychology, a professor of neuroscience, and a distinguished research scholar until his retirement in 2008.

Post-retirement, Reynolds stayed active in the field. He is a diplomate in clinical neuropsychology and pediatric neuropsychology, with past presidencies at the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology. For over 25 years, he maintained a clinical practice, primarily treating children who had been sexually assaulted as well as individuals with traumatic brain injuries. He now works in forensic neuroscience in Austin, Texas, and continues his work in test development.

Reynolds' career is dotted with numerous professional honors. The American Psychological Association (APA) conferred him with Early Career Awards from the Division of Educational Psychology and the Division of Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics. He also received the Lightner Witmer Award from the APA's Division of School Psychology.

Dr. Cecil R. Reynolds' life and achievements stand testament to his dedication and outstanding contribution to the field of psychology.