University of Phoenix leadership featured in Pyschology Today blog

Rodney Luster’s monthly blog highlights current mental health topics

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Rodney Luster, Ph.D., LPC, chair for the University’s Center for Leadership Studies and Organizational Research, is publishing a monthly blog on the Psychology Today website.

Luster’s most recent blog entry, “Giving Up? Challenging the Desire to Mentally Check Out,” describes the mechanics behind persistent stress and how individuals can counter negativity and gain healthier outlooks with tools like radical acceptance. The blog’s content is particularly resonant, logging over 100,000 views at a point two years into pandemic life when there is widespread concern about a mental health crisis.

“I was asked by Psychology Today editors last year to audition my potential as a writer for them; they liked my submissions so much that they offered me a blog,” Luster shares. “In my blog, “More than a Feeling,” I try to capture the emotional content of topical matter that people are interested in learning more about. As a therapist and a researcher, this venue helps me to reach more people who may be dealing with issues and provide them with evidenced-based potentials.”

In addition to leading the Center for Leadership Studies and Organizational Research, Luster is Senior Director of Research Strategy, Innovation, and Development for the College of Doctoral Studies at the University of Phoenix. He is a published researcher with his most recent article in 2021 for the Journal for Leadership Studies entitled, “Relational Leadership Perspectives of Key Constructs on Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Equity in Higher Education.”

Luster has recently presented for the American Psychological Association's 2021 National Conference on the topic: "Utilizing Clinical Hypnotherapeutic Intervention with CBT to Treat Pandemic Symptomology." He also presented in 2021 at the International Leadership Association (ILA) Geneva Conference on the following topics: “Improving Higher Education's Role in Diversity and Social Equity Through Relational Leadership in the New Era;” “Using Virtuous Leadership in Chaos to Reimagine Beneficial Practices of Employee Cognitive Psychology;” and “The Stress Arc in Leadership and Three Powerful Disciplines for Mitigating Stress in a New Era.”

Luster is currently conducting research on the potentials of polyphonic discourse for use in helping leaders navigate difficult conversations amid turbulent issues.

Luster has been an employee of the University of Phoenix since 2002.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.