Murray State University Department of Psychology hosts fall 2026 Brummer Colloquium

By Dr. Carrie Jerrell | Oct 20, 2026

The Dr. and Mrs. Gary Brummer Colloquium Series in Psychology presents “Lessons from Ghana on Parenting Children with Developmental Disabilities” with Dr. Mabel Oti-Boadi

MURRAY, Ky. — The Department of Psychology at Murray State University is pleased to host its fall event in the Dr. and Mrs. Gary Brummer Colloquium Series on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in Wrather Hall on Murray State’s campus.

Visiting scholar Dr. Mabel Oti-Boadi will present “Lessons from Ghana on Parenting Children with Developmental Disabilities.” The event is free and open to the public. 

Oti-Boadi is an associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Ghana and a licensed practicing clinical psychologist. She is a Fox International Fellow at Yale University, a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow and an affiliate of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) and the Centre for Ageing Studies at the University of Ghana. Her extensive research focuses on family dynamics, adolescent and women’s mental health and the psychosocial experiences of caregivers raising children with special needs. In addition to her academic work, Oti-Boadi serves on the board of the Inclusive Family Alliance and holds leadership roles in professional psychological organizations dedicated to promoting inclusion and empowering families of children with disabilities.

During the Brummer Colloquium presentation, Oti-Boadi will discuss the distinct emotional, social and physical challenges faced by Ghanaian parents with developmentally disabled children, as well as the vital coping mechanisms, resources and programs they rely on to build family resilience. She will also discuss the socio-cultural beliefs, stigma and societal reactions to developmental disabilities in the African/Ghanaian context.

The Dr. and Mrs. Gary Brummer Colloquium Series in Psychology is made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Gary Brummer and his wife, Sharon. The series hosts speakers from a wide range of research areas in psychology. All presentations are free and open to the public. 

To learn more about the series or the Department of Psychology, visit murraystate.edu/psychology or call 270-809-2851.