Vice Provost Elise Cappella Named Willner Family Professor in Psychology and Public Policy

Cappella’s academic research focuses on understanding and promoting social-emotional and academic learning and behavioral and mental health among students in pre-K to eighth grade. Her work has been supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, Spencer Foundation, Institute of Education Sciences, and Foundation for Child Development.

“Dr. Cappella is an exceptional scholar, educator, and university leader whose work has consistently illuminated the powerful connections between psychology, public policy, and education,” says Georgina Dopico, Provost of NYU. “This endowed professorship recognizes both the extraordinary impact of Dr. Cappella’s scholarship and the breadth of her contributions to our university and society, and we at NYU are delighted to honor her with this distinction and look forward to the continued influence of her research, teaching, and leadership.”

The Willner Family Professorship was established with a gift from Dr. Albert Willner, who graduated from NYU’s Washington Square College in 1939, and Blanche Willner, an NYU Stern alumna. Dr. Willner was president emeritus of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science and a retired orthopedic surgeon.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to be named the Willner Family Professor in Psychology and Public Policy,” says Cappella. “This is a meaningful recognition of the importance of bringing psychological science into conversation with the complex challenges facing public policy, society, and the landscape of education. This distinction provides an extraordinary opportunity to build on my research and partnerships with school districts and community organizations to ensure that all students benefit from equitable access to the education and supports they need to thrive.”

A former fourth grade teacher, Cappella received her doctorate in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and her bachelor’s degree from Yale University.

In addition to her roles at NYU and NYU Steinhardt, Cappella is director of NYU’s Institute of Education Sciences Predoctoral Interdisciplinary Research Training (IES-PIRT) program dedicated to training the next generation of education scientists and leaders. She is also principal investigator (PI) for NYU's Path Program, a partnership with the NYC Public Schools.