Co-Published a Foundational Biopsychosocial Model of Racism as a Stressor, 1999
One of the first models linking racism to physical health outcomes for African Americans.
With President Barack Obama at the White House
National Recognition
A National Leader in Mental Health Awareness
Dr. Norman B. Anderson played a pivotal leadership role in advancing mental health awareness as a national priority. Through his groundbreaking work in psychology, health, and well-being, he helped elevate the importance of mental health across research, policy, and public dialogue. His contributions to the field were recognized at the White House by President Barack Obama, reflecting a career dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Learn MoreWelcome
A Personal Welcome
Contributions at a Glance
Key Accomplishments
Founding Director, NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Led the National Institutes of Health's first office dedicated to behavioral and social science.
First African American CEO & Executive Vice President, American Psychological Association
Broke barriers as the first African American to be elected and later serve as CEO of the APA.
Elected to the National Academy of Medicine
Recognized as one of the nation's top honors in the health sciences.
Philanthropy & Enduring Impact
A Legacy of Giving
Norman believed that opportunity changes lives. Through scholarships, endowments, professional awards, and gifts to institutions, his generosity continues to support students, scholars, researchers, and future leaders for generations to come.
North Carolina Central University
Norman B. Anderson Psychology Scholars Endowment
Created to support underserved and under-represented graduate psychology students, this endowed scholarship reflects Norman's lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity and excellence in the profession.
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Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Chapter Scholarship Fund
Supporting high school students in the D.C. community on their path to college, reflecting Norman's belief in the power of education and the potential of young leaders.
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UNC Greensboro
A Gift to Advance Scholarship
Norman's final scholarly contribution—a four-volume collection on health psychology—has been entrusted to UNC Greensboro's psychology library as a commemorative collection in his honor.
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Society of Behavioral Medicine
Supporting Early Career Professionals
Through dedicated funds, Norman supports early career members of the Society, helping cultivate the next generation of researchers and leaders in the field.
Read MoreA Legacy of Contemplative Leadership
Preserving His Impact.
Advancing His Vision.
The work continues through scholarship, mentorship and service — carried by the people and institutions he helped shape.
Mentorship
Preparing Future Leaders for Service
Guidance and mentorship offered in his name to the next wave of psychologists.
Research
Norman's Research
Studies on health, stress and wellbeing that continue to inform practice today.
Service
A Life of Service
Communities and institutions still shaped by the standards he set.
“Leadership rooted in presence and compassion has the power to transform not only organizations, but the people within them.”
Inspired by Dr. Anderson's leadership philosophy
Continuing Norman's Work
Retreats, Workshops and Talks
Programs inspired by Dr. Anderson's approach to contemplative leadership, growth and service.
Retreats
Contemplative Retreats
Immersive experiences supporting reflection, renewal and purposeful leadership.
Explore RetreatsWorkshops
Leadership Workshops
Practical, reflective learning for leaders and teams seeking more humane ways of working.
Explore WorkshopsSpeaking
Talks & Keynotes
Presentations exploring leadership, wellbeing, service and Dr. Anderson's continuing legacy.
Explore TalksScholarship Impact
Supporting the Next Generation of Psychology Leaders
Through the Norman B. Anderson Psychology Scholars Endowment at North Carolina Central University and the Psychology Endowment at UNC Greensboro, his legacy continues to open doors for the next generation of scholars.
This scholarship let me focus on my research instead of worrying about tuition. Dr. Anderson's name on my award reminds me every semester what it means to give back.
Psychology Scholar
North Carolina Central University
Coming from a family where college felt out of reach, this endowment didn't just cover costs — it told me someone believed in students like me.
Psychology Scholar
North Carolina Central University
Because of this endowment, I could take an unpaid research position that shaped my entire career path. That opportunity changed everything for me.
Psychology Scholar
UNC Greensboro
Emotional Longevity · Dr. Norman B. Anderson with P. Elizabeth Anderson
Selected Works
Ideas that continue to inform and inspire.
In Emotional Longevity: What Really Determines How Long You Live, Dr. Anderson — with co-author P. Elizabeth Anderson — draws on decades of research into how emotions, relationships, meaning and biology shape how long, and how well, we live.
Further writings and publications from across his career will be added here over time.
A Life in Pictures
Moments from an extraordinary journey.
Get in Touch
Connect With Us
We'd love to hear from you. Questions, memories, or ways to get involved.
With gratitude, from family and friends.