Fall 2025/Spring 2026 Psych Reps
The student representatives (a.k.a. psych reps) are a group of psychology students who organize and run various events related to the Department of Psychological Science. These events include the Fall Picnic and Senior Happy Hour, among others.
Additionally, the psych reps hold majors’ meetings, attend faculty meetings to keep the professors informed about what’s going on with the students, and get information from professors to answer student questions. They organize student lunches to meet with people who are being interviewed at the school to become possible professors. Generally, they give valuable input from the student body to the psychology faculty on topics of relevance to the department.
Students have to run to be elected as psych reps by posting their information on the rep board towards the end of the spring semester. There are always four reps, and they are elected by the Psych majors.
Eric Undeland
Hey there! My name is Eric Undeland and I am a senior here at UMW. I’m passionate about making sure the Psych Department is the best it can be, so if you see me around, I’m always open to listen about how we can make our amazing department even better! I am a Psych major hoping to eventually become a licensed counselor. I love getting to know people and equipping them any way I know how, which is why I’m pursuing that career. I am also involved with The Center for Faith and Leadership (right across from the UC) as well as YoungLife, where I lead at Riverbend High School. A fun fact about me is over winter break I lived in Portland, Oregon. If you need something, whether it’s something with the department, a question about UMW, or anything really, text or call me at 703-399-9038 or email me at eundelan@mail.umw.edu
Autumn Bartels
Hi! I’m a senior at the University of Mary Washington, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Administration. I am originally from Williamsburg, Virginia. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, working as a preschool teacher, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. I’m especially passionate about working with children and am interested in fields like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and applied behavior analysis. I’m excited to be a UMW Psychology Representative and to help connect students with faculty, share your feedback, and keep everyone informed about opportunities, resources, and events within our department. Reach out if you have any questions, want to share feedback, or are looking for ways to get more involved in the UMW psych community!
Email: abartels@mail.umw.edu
Ava Shumate
Hi everyone! I’m excited to be your Psychology Representative for the Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 academic year. My goal is to be a supportive and approachable resource, whether you’re navigating the psych major or just need someone to talk to. During my time as a psychology major, I’ve loved conducting research and exploring topics like human sexuality and psychopathology. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, where I can combine my passion for research with helping businesses make ethical and informed decisions. Outside of academics, you can normally find me thrifting, making coffee, hanging out at the farmer’s market, or playing Animal Crossing. Looking forward to connecting with you all.
Email: ashumate@mail.umw.edu
Sally Lawson
Hi everyone! My name is Sally Lawson, and I am a junior here, majoring in psychology with a minor in business administration. I am super excited to work with the faculty of our psychology department, along with my fellow students! I enjoy reading classic literature, crocheting, and driving my car around town. Along with being a psych rep, I am also a peer mentor and a speaking and writing center consultant. I really enjoy being involved with the university and the Mary Wash community. You can contact me by emailing me at slawson.mail.umw.edu. I am looking forward to this year!