Hiram E. Fitzgerald (born November 12, 1940) is an American Psychologist and currently a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University. Fitzgerald is a prominent figure in developmental psychology, infant mental health, and early childhood development. He also serves as the Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement Emeritus.[1]
Hiram Fitzgerald was born November 12, 1940 in Columbia, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lebanon Valley College and later received his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Denver in 1967, specializing in Developmental Child Psychology.[1] A distinguished multi-sport athlete, Fitzgerald was inducted into the Columbia High School Hall of Fame twice (2008 and 2014)[2] and was inducted to the Lebanon Valley College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981, recognizing his accomplishments in Football, Track & Field, and Men’s Basketball.[3]
Upon completing his Ph.D. Fitzgerald took a role as Assistant Professor of Psychology with Michigan State University, where he would spend much of his academic and administrative career. From 1973 to 1974 he held a Fulbright-Hays Senior Lecturer position at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Beograd, Yugoslavia.[4] From 1992 to 2008 Fitzgerald served as Executive Director for the World Association for Infant Mental Health, and in 1998 was designated a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State.[2] He also served as the Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement for 16 years, and holds numerous memberships and directorships across childhood development research organizations .[2]
Fitzgerald is recognized as a Fellow of 5 divisions of the American Psychological Association, a Charter Fellow of the Association of Psychological Science, and has been recognized by the World Association for Infant Mental Health with a Distinguished Contributions Award.[2]
Research Focus
Fitzgerald’s research focused on early childhood development, infant mental health, and the study of adverse experiences on children and families. His work had a particular focus on the impact of fathers on early childhood development, the etiology of alcoholism, American Indian/Alaska Native early childhood development, and family development in community contexts.[5] He also contributed research into implementing community models of organizational process and change as well as research of issues related to the scholarship of engagement.[1]
Fitzgerald has over 600 scholarly publications, including peer reviewed journal articles, chapters, books, technical reports, and abstracts/proceedings.[1]
References
1 2 3 4 Technology, University Outreach and Engagement-Communication and Information. "Fitzgerald, Hiram E."Fitzgerald, Hiram E. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
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