By Ricci Taylor, contributing writer
“I was made for America,” says Adrian Janit, professor of psychology. As a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Janit says he experienced America through television, movies and music, and that it was a dream of his to live here someday.
His dream came true in 1997 when he moved to America to continue his post-secondary education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy from Weber State University in Utah in 2000, followed by masters and doctoral degrees from Northern Illinois University.
Dr. Janit joined Augusta State in 2007 as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. His clinical interests are in the areas of anxiety disorders, drug and alcohol addictions, domestic violence, and forensic assessment. He teaches Introduction to Psychology and Human Diversity at the undergraduate level as well as oversees undergraduate internships. At the graduate level, he teaches Introduction to Psychotherapy Skills, Group Therapy, and Personality Assessment as well as oversees research practica.
“Interactions with the students and with other faculty really inspire me, and the opportunity to train new mental health professonals is such a privilege, and a responsibility I truly enjoy,” he says.
Dr. Janit has several outlets for his interest in psychology. He not only teaches psychology, but also does clinical work including therapy for individuals, couples, and children. He also conducts group therapy for those with substance abuse problems and for men with anger and domestic violence issues.
Dr. Janit has a passion outside of psychology. A car aficionado, he enjoys collecting both real and toy cars. As an avid Matchbox car collector, he has thousands in his collection. “My parents used to buy them for me when I was a kid. I guess I never got the memo to stop collecting them when I grew up,”
says Dr. Janit jokingly.
He also has several cars and is a member of the local CSRA Road Angels Car Club.
Although Dr. Janit’s family still resides in South Africa, he says he is lucky to be able to visit them every year. This holiday break he will spend two weeks in South Africa. But, even though he is far away from his hometown and family, he says he couldn’t be more proud of his life here in America.
He is truly living the American dream.
Name: Adrian Janit
How long with ASU? 2 years
Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology Pets? Two neighborhood cats who tend to spend most of their time at his home.
Little known fact: He once was a lead singer in a band.
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Nov 30, 2009
Profiles