Carlos Escoto, associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University, was recently named 2019 Alumnus of the Year by Loma Linda University’s School of Behavioral Health. Escoto accepted the award on June 16 in Loma Linda, CA.

Born and raised in Orange County, CA, Escoto earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Chapman University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in psychology from Loma Linda University.

He was recognized for outstanding performance in his roles as a researcher, administrator, educator and colleague. “Dr. Escoto, you honor us with your dedication to excellence,” said Bev Buckles, dean of Loma Linda’s School of Behavioral Health. “We look forward to the opportunity to present you with this award.”

Escoto moved to Connecticut and joined the Eastern faculty in 2002. With a primary focus on student success, Escoto has mentored many students through independent research projects. He received a teaching award in 2007 and has also published on the topic of pedagogy.

He’s served as chair of the University Curriculum and Faculty Development Committees as well co-chair of the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee. He’s served on search committees for the provost and dean of students positions. Currently he is chair of the Department of Psychological Sciences.

Dr. Escoto is also the coordinator of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, a position he’s held since 2013. During that time, research activities and opportunities for presenting at conferences have dramatically increased across Eastern’s undergraduate student body. Eastern was among the top 20 schools nationwide for participation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research this past April in Georgia — the only school from New England to make the list. Eastern students routinely represent Connecticut at the highly selective Posters on the Hill conference in Washington, D.C. And this May, two students presented in Germany at the second annual World Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Off campus, Escoto has served as the associate editor for the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. He is an elected councilor in the Psychology Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), as well as an executive board member of the CUR at large.