Talk Explores the Power of Gratitude

Jane Wilson, associate professor of education, will share her research and identify key practices of gratitude to help people flourish on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St. The Westmont Downtown lecture, sponsored by the Westmont Foundation, is free and open to the public. No tickets are required; the limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call (805) 565-6051.

“A growing body of social science research reveals that gratitude has the power to heal, energize and transform lives,” says Wilson. “People who consistently engage in practicing gratitude experience a boost in their overall well-being. Daily expressions of gratitude can enhance a person psychologically, socially, spiritually, physically and cognitively.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a teaching credential from Seattle Pacific University, Wilson taught in public elementary and junior high schools. She then served as an educational consultant in the area of leadership training for high school student leaders and faculty advisers. She has lectured at workshops, conferences and school assemblies in 26 states and Canada.

Wilson earned a doctorate in educational psychology from UC Santa Barbara and began teaching and supervising student teachers in teacher education programs at Azusa Pacific University, California State University at Channel Islands, and Chapman University. She joined the Westmont faculty in 2009.

Her research explores the impact that gratitude practices have on student’s ability to focus and remain resilient during the teaching-learning process.