**For Immediate Release** Benjamin Named to Governing Board - released by OPSU Campus Communications 04-16-2008 By Laura Hays Goodwell, Okla. -- Dr. James Benjamin, OPSU associate professor in psychology, was recently named to the governing board of the National Social Science Association (NSSA). The cross-disciplinary organization promotes communication among professionals that primarily represent small colleges, universities, and junior colleges across the U.S. The organization includes members in the following disciplines: history, geography, education, economics, psychology, anthropology, sociology, ethnic studies, women’s studies, interdisciplinary studies, political science, and other related studies. NSSA also encourages student research and provides a special session for students to present papers during their national conference held in Las Vegas every year. The group publishes a peer-reviewed periodical, The National Social Science Journal, giving faculty and students an opportunity to publish their work. Benjamin said, “I like taking students to the national conference because it exposes them to a professional research event and affords them networking opportunities in a friendly atmosphere.” He added that he is honored to be a part of the governing board of the organization and looks forward to generating ideas and continuing his own research. ###