Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award

Dr. Wayne E. Adams ‘66

Houghton University Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award

Presented by President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. – Saturday, August 1, 2026

One could learn a great deal about this year’s Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award recipient from reading Houghton’s student newspaper, The Star. In November 1965, this first-generation college student was recognized as a nominee for Who’s Who among students at American Colleges and Universities. A feature article highlighted his participation in Oratorio, Concert Ensemble and the Education Club, as well as his service as the editor of the Boulder and as a Student Senator. It was also mentioned that he was a nominee for both the Danforth Foundation Scholarship and a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship.

In October 1965, Wayne Adams was the “Senior in Focus” for The Star. This piece noted his role as President of the senior class, his participation on College European Seminar Tour and described him as a “permanent member of the Dean’s List.” If you combine these early accomplishments and accolades with insights of his classmates from the Class of ’66 like Bill Francis and others, you see a foundation that led to Wayne Adams’ career as a scholar, researcher, practitioner, professor, mentor and leader. We can also gain a perspective on the way he interacted with those around him and the enthusiasm with which he pursued his calling.

After graduating from Houghton in 1966, Wayne planned to pursue graduate work to become a math teacher. He learned of an opportunity to have his graduate school tuition and expenses completely underwritten at Syracuse University, and was immediately interested. The only catch was that he would be studying psychology rather than mathematics. After his first year, Wayne discovered an intense interest in and passion for the field of psychology. After earning his master of arts, he went on to obtain a PhD in developmental/child clinical psychology from Syracuse.

Having discovered a lively interest in child psychology, Dr. Adams taught at Colgate University for several years before accepting a post-doctoral position in pediatric psychology at Memorial Hospital on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He then accepted the role of Chief Psychologist at DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, where he served for 24 years. Dr. Adams also served as Associate Professor at the hospital-affiliated Jefferson Medical College and published papers on a variety of topics, including several related to the cognitive effects of Lyme disease on children.

In 1999, Dr. Adams accepted a role at George Fox University in Newburg, Oregon, as Professor of Psychology in their graduate school. Three years later, he was promoted to the Department Chair of George Fox’s Doctorate of Psychology program where he served until 2015. While serving in this role, he had the opportunity to chair numerous doctoral dissertations while he challenged, encouraged and mentored students. Dr. Fox also taught courses in Psychometrics, Cognitive Assessment, Neuropsychological Assessment, Child Psychopathology and Pediatric Neuropsychology. He retired from George Fox after 23 years of dedicated service, which bestowed on him the honor of Professor Emeritus.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Adams published more than 40 articles, co-authored a nationally-known children’s memory scale—the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (one of five nationally available test instruments Dr. Adams has co-authored)—and presented at more than 80 national conferences and workshops. He is a Fellow of the American Pediatrics Association’s Division of Clinical Psychology and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. He holds diplomate status within the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Adams was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct memory research in China and is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the School Neuropsychology Institute. His clinical interests include learning and related behavior disorders, pediatric neuropsychological assessment and various developmental disorders.

To add to some color and perspective to these accolades and unpack the personality and the manner with which Wayne approached his work and those he came in contact with, it is helpful to return to our diligent Houghton Star reporters. From Wayne’s “Senior in Focus” article, “Those who know him find him ‘paradoxical,’ ‘calm,’ ‘authoritative,’ ‘stable’ and ‘absolutely imperturbable.’” After mentioning his strength of character and enjoyable sense of humor, the writer illustrates the determination that would later serve him in his research. “While in Europe, Wayne, with his typical determination, bought a second-hand bike-and spent the summer trying to keep its tires full of air.” He was also bestowed the honorary title of “president” of the Dr. Finney Recessional Club, as he was known for staying after chapel to hear him play.

Wayne still enjoys classical music—a love that had it’s start in Houghton thanks to outstanding professors like Charles Finney—pickleball, and hiking among other interests. He has enjoyed teaching Sunday school, singing in church choirs and participating in short-term missions’ work.

One of Wayne’s colleagues, David Sheslow, had this to say about Wayne when reflecting on the impact of his career. “Wayne’s values, guided by his faith, were always part of his decision making. He was not interested in the applause; he was interested in the work, in doing good and making things better. Wayne made my life better; he was more family than friend.”

Wayne’s wife Nora (Swindler) Adams, Houghton Class of 1968, is an accomplished writer who has served Houghton with her gifts throughout the years. They currently live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania near their family including Jennifer (Adams) Fasick, Class of 1995 and her husband Scott, Class of 1994.

In recognition of Dr. Adams’ exceptional levels of accomplishment and excellence in in the field of child psychology while maintaining Houghton University’s highest standards of faith, integrity, and servant-leadership, it is my privileged to present Dr. Wayne E. Adams with Houghton University’s Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.