Rita M. Curl-Langager, PhD, is a distinguished scholar and educator known for her extensive contributions to developmental and child psychology and dedication to advancing the field of psychology education. Her career spans decades and includes achievements in academia, research, and community service. Dr. Curl-Langager is a professor emeritus in the Department of Addiction Studies, Psychology, and Social Work at Minot State University in North Dakota. She was a highly regarded professor in the department for more than 20 years, serving from 1997 to 2018. Prior to this role, she was an associate professor in the university’s Department of Education and Psychology from 1991 to 1997.
Complimenting her academic titles, Dr. Curl-Langager has held a variety of key research and teaching positions at other prestigious institutions. She was an adjunct associate professor in the Psychology Department at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, from 1988 to 1991. Concurrently, she was a research assistant professor in the Special Education Department at the university and a research associate in the Outreach, Development, and Dissemination Division at the Center for Persons with Disabilities. Dr. Curl-Langager’s early career included a stint as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Human Development at The University of Kansas (KU) from 1983 to 1985 and as a psychologist at the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka, Kansas. Her teaching career began at KU, where she was an instructor for courses on human development and special education.
As a prolific writer and contributor to her field, Dr. Curl-Langager has authored and co-authored numerous books, manuals, and scholarly articles. Her recent work includes “Adulthood: An Introduction,” published in 2024. She also co-authored “Desired Outcomes of an Undergraduate Education in Psychology from Departmental, Student, and Societal Perspectives,” which was featured in the book “Undergraduate Education in Psychology: A Blueprint for the Future of the Discipline” published by the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Curl-Langager’s contributions to research have been recognized with prestigious grants and awards. During her time working for the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Minot State University and the University of Washington Department of Neurological Surgery, she, notably, received adulthood and aging research grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and a traumatic brain injury research grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Special Projects and Demonstrations. Her excellence in research was further acknowledged with awards from the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy and the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
Dr. Curl-Langager’s solid and impressive academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, with a minor in education, from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, where she graduated cum laude in 1974. She then earned a Master of Science in child development and family relationships from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1976. In 1982, she graduated from KU with a Doctor of Philosophy in developmental and child psychology. With an ongoing commitment to her field, Dr. Curl-Langager has maintained affiliation with multiple professional organizations. She served as president-elect of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP) in 2015 and chaired multiple committees within the American Psychological Association and the STP. She also was involved with the Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Psychological Science.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Curl-Langager has been consistently and deeply devoted to serving her community. She has held leadership positions in civic organizations, including the Minot Symphony Orchestra, the Taube Museum of Art, and the Minot Exchange Club. Her dedication to community engagement is further exemplified by her roles on the board of directors of the International Peace Garden and her co-chairmanship of its Capital Campaign Committee. Dr. Curl-Langager attributes her success to her persistence and determination. She credits her father, a high school teacher and a lifelong learner, with inspiring her to pursue a career in psychology. His dedication to education and involvement in vital organizations influenced her career path and instilled in her the importance of community service and continuous learning.
Looking ahead, Dr. Curl-Langager envisions herself continuing to write and contribute to her profession with plans to work on the second edition of her textbook, “Adulthood: An Introduction,” and develop additional support materials for educators. Her advice to aspiring psychologists and educators is to recognize that solutions to current, relevant issues exist, although they may not always be straightforward or quick fixes. By studying and understanding important issues, individuals can improve their own lives and those of others. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Curl-Langager enjoys exploring the arts, architecture, design, and historical fashion. She also is passionate about gardening, outdoor activities, and wildlife.