──
A National Leader in Mental Health Awareness
Dr. Norman B. Anderson played a pivotal leadership role in advancing mental health awareness as a national priority. Through his groundbreaking work in psychology, health, and well-being, he helped elevate the importance of mental health across research, policy, and public dialogue. His contributions to the field were recognized at the White House by President Barack Obama, reflecting a career dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
— KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS —
A Life of
Extraordinary Impact
A legacy of leadership, research, and groundbreaking contributions that continue to shape lives and inspire change.
Co-Published a Foundational Biopsychosocial Model of Racism as a Stressor, 1999
One of the first models linking racism to physical health outcomes for African Americans.
Founding Director, NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Led the National Institutes of Health's first office dedicated to behavioral and social science.
First African American CEO & Executive Vice President, American Psychological Association
Broke barriers as the first African American to be elected and later serve as CEO of the APA.
First African American CEO & Executive Vice President, American Psychological Association
Broke barriers as the first African American to be elected and later serve as CEO of the APA.
──
A Legacy of Giving
──────
──────
Norman believed that opportunity changes lives. Through scholarships, endowments, professional awards, and gifts to institutions, his generosity continues to support students, scholars, researchers, and future leaders for generations to come.
Norman B. Anderson Psychology Scholars Endowment
Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Chapter Scholarship Fund
Supporting high school students in the D.C. community on their path to college, reflecting Norman’s belief in the power of education and the potential of young leaders.
A Gift to Advance Scholarship
Supporting Early Career Professionals
“Leadership rooted in presence and compassion has the power to transform not only organizations, but the people within them.”
Inspired by Dr. Anderson’s leadership philosophy
Supporting the Next Generation of Psychology Leaders
Through the Norman B. Anderson Psychology Scholars Endowment at North Carolina Central University and the Psychology Endowment at UNC Greensboro, his legacy continues to open doors for the next generation of scholars.
This scholarship let me focus on my research instead of worrying about tuition. Dr. Anderson’s name on my award reminds me every semester what it means to give back.
Coming from a family where college felt out of reach, this endowment didn’t just cover costs — it told me someone believed in students like me.
A Legacy of Contemplative Leadership
Preserving His Impact.
Advancing His Vision.
The work continues through scholarship, mentorship and service — carried by the people and institutions he helped shape.
Preparing Future Leaders for Service
Norman's Research
UNC Greensboro
A Life of Service
Emotional Longevity · Dr. Norman B. Anderson with P. Elizabeth Anderson
───
Ideas that continue to inform and inspire.
In Emotional Longevity: What Really Determines How Long You Live, Dr. Anderson — with co-author P. Elizabeth Anderson — draws on decades of research into how emotions, relationships, meaning and biology shape how long, and how well, we live.
Further writings and publications from across his career will be added here over time.
Retreats, Workshops and Talks
Retreats
Contemplative Retreats
Immersive experiences supporting reflection, renewal and purposeful leadership.
Workshops
Leadership Workshops
Practical, reflective learning for leaders and teams seeking more humane ways of working.
Talks & Keynotes
Presentations exploring leadership, wellbeing, service and Dr. Anderson’s continuing legacy.
───
Selected Works
Moments from an extraordinary journey.
Get in Touch
Connect With Us
We’d love to hear from you. Questions, memories, or ways to get involved.
With gratitude, from family and friends.