FASP Historian

First established under Jim Rockwell's presidency in 1984-85 with the appointment of John Wells as the first FASP Historian, who served through the 1996-97 year, the Historian maintains the John Wells/FASP Historical Archives and communicates the history of FASP to its members.

Donna Berghauser, FASP Historian

FASP Past Presidents

Reflections of Our Legacy

Debbie L. Jackson

A tribute to Dr. J. David O'Dea, the 13th president of FASP and creator of the method in which the Florida Association of School Psychologists continues to communicate member to member.

Dr. O'Dea served as the president of FASP from 1967-1968. The 1960's were turbulent times for our country and state. The civil rights movement was prevalent and we were engulfed in the Vietnam War as well as the public school teacher's strike in the state of Florida. All of these historical events had a profound impact on school psychologists as well as other educational personnel. During such perilous times, Dr. O'Dea realized the need for psychologists to have a format in which vital, relevant, and important issues of the profession could be disseminated to the members of the organization.

Dr. O'Dea's foresight and innovativeness evolved into the FASP Newsletter. The first newsletter was produced in November of 1969. Dr. O'Dea has graciously provided FASP with one of our most prominent artifacts, an original Volume 1, Number 1, newsletter, which was proudly displayed at the Trade Show of the FASP 2002 Conference.

The FASP Newsletter is a highly distinguished accomplishment of Dr. O'Dea's legacy as well as his diversified professional and community affiliations and honors. A synopsis of Dr. O'Dea's experience and associations include: Educational Consultant, Associate Professor at Florida State University, Specializations in Individual Behavior and Psychotherapy and Personnel and Industrial Psychology. Dr. O'Dea holds life memberships with American Psychological Association and American Personnel and Guidance Association. He is listed in Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Who's Who in American Education, Florida Lives, Personalities of the South, and Outstanding Floridians.

Retirement has not curtailed Dr. O'Dea's involvement with community associations. He is a member of the Dunedin Historical Society, Life member of Friends of the Library, Life member of the Elks Club, member of the Chamber of Commerce since the 1960's and an Alumni Booster Club member of Florida State University just to cite a few affiliations.

Dr. O'Dea resides in Dunedin, Florida; he is married, has no children and is thoroughly enjoying his "not so retired" status.

Dr. O'Dea we salute and thank you for your outstanding contributions to our profession and organization. You are indeed a pioneer and trailblazer. Your legacy lives on!