In the classroom, within the mental health profession and in the greater community, Mary Louise Cashel, associate professor in the School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, has been making a difference through her dedication, leadership, vision and transformative contributions for several decades, her colleagues say. Cashel’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as she has been selected as the 2025 winner of SIU’s Women of Distinction Award, one of eight Excellence Awards presented April 23.
The Women of Distinction Award recognizes employees who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to women and/or issues of diversity through demonstrated leadership, vision or actions in a profession, in an area of expertise, or in service to the university community.
“Dr. Cashel has dedicated her career to advancing inclusive excellence in her profession and at SIU,” wrote Reza Habib, director of the School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences in nominating Cashel for the award. Habib noted that Cashel has initiated annual climate surveys and established the Student Diversity Committee during her 15 years as director of clinical training, and she has mentored 20 female doctoral students and 10 undergraduate women, helping them achieve success in clinical psychology, school psychology and social work. A relevant article co-authored by Cashel, “Diversity training in clinical child and pediatric psychology programs: Results from a survey of training directors,” was also published in the American Psychological Association’s Training and Education in Professional Psychology.
“Her mentoring extends beyond academia, providing critical support to women navigating professional and personal challenges,” Habib wrote. “Dr. Cashel’s leadership serves as a living example of what is possible for women in academia and professional practice, inspiring others to pursue excellence.”
Cashel, a licensed clinical psychologist, began teaching at SIU as an assistant professor in 1997 and was promoted to associate professor in 2003. She credits those she works with for her success.
“I greatly appreciate this award,” Cashel said. “My thanks go to the many students I have had the pleasure of teaching and supervising and to the community stakeholders – schools, probation officers, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services – with whom I have partnered, that collectively have made this possible.”
Get to know MARY LOUISE CASHEL
Name: Mary Louise Cashel
Department/title: Associate professor, School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences
Years at SIU Carbondale: 28 in August.
Give us the elevator pitch for your job.
I prepare undergraduate and graduate students for careers in mental health with a focus on working with children, adolescents and their parents. My research has focused on youth violence prevention, and I conduct prevention and intervention projects in collaboration with many community partners. I also work with state agencies and national associations on child advocacy and rural health initiatives.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The diverse nature of the work – every day is a little different – with the freedom and flexibility to choose my teaching, research and other professional projects.
Why did you choose SIU?
The position announcement matched my interests perfectly; it was a tenure-track appointment in clinical psychology with a focus on adolescents.
My favorite activity away from work is:
Traveling with family and/or friends. I love seeing new places, trying new food, and doing new things.
What favorite book do you remember from your childhood and why was it special to you?
I loved the whole Nancy Drew series. She was adventurous, always going to different places and solving mysteries. My mom bought me almost the entire collection, and we have enjoyed a lifelong love of mysteries.
