NAU Directory

Jason Whetten is a full-time lecturer in the department of psychological sciences at Northern Arizona University. His primary responsibility is the organization and instruction of large enrollment Introductory psychology courses on campus and is a member of the University and Psychological Science Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. As a first generation student, Whetten received his Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in psychology at NAU before completing a second master's degree in education, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership and innovation. Jason is a certified ACUE Effective College Educator. Jason has received multiple awards for his teaching on campus including a 2021 Educator of Influence Award, multiple Teacher of the Year nominations, and the 2020 Most Influential Faculty Member from Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Whetten is a member of the NAU Equity academy and has dedicated a portion of his time to uncovering and correcting equity gaps within his curriculum and course presentation. Prior to teaching at NAU, Jason worked as a habilitation provider for the Department of Economic Security’s Department of Developmentally Disabled and the Easter Seals Blake Foundation building at-home and summer programs for children on the Autism Spectrum. Jason's current research is examining feeligns of belonging and resilience among first semester students. In addition to his teaching and research at NAU, Jason also directs the Joseph City Schools Theatre program and has written and directed multiple musical productions at the college and community level. Jason lives in Winslow with his five children and novelty sock collection. Jason is passionate about student success and learning both in and out of his classroom. As a first generation student, Whetten understands the sacrifice that higher education demands and builds his courses to create learning opportunities that will justify that sacrifice.