The awards presentations took place at PCOM’s commencement ceremony on July 31, during which Dr. Freeman delivered the College’s commencement address.  

Dr. Freeman was the founding Chair of the Department of Psychology at PCOM from 1992-2008, where he established the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology and masters’ programs in Clinical Health Psychology, Counseling, Organizational Development and Leadership, and School Psychology. 

“Today brings me to the pinnacle of my life as an academic,” said Dr. Freeman. “To be named Professor Emeritus and also be privileged to receive an honorary degree is beyond my dreams,” he said.

A sought-after expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dr. Freeman is a licensed clinical psychologist and the author of popular and professional publications, text books, and DVDs who has lectured at hospitals, universities, and at international conferences in 40 countries.

A new role at Touro

In July Dr. Freeman was appointed Chair of the Graduate Dept. of Behavioral Science at Touro College SHS –and oversees academic programs there in Mental Health Counseling, School Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. He is also Program Director of the undergraduate School Psychology Program, and is working on several supplemental initiatives including life-long learning opportunities, certificate and continuing education programs, and stepped-up efforts in student recruitment, retention, and diversity.

Dr. Louis Primavera, Dean of Touro College SHS, reflected on Dr. Freeman’s contributions to both his profession and the higher education community. “We are extremely pleased that Dr. Freeman was awarded an honorary doctorate and named Professor Emeritus at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Freeman was instrumental in building a very prestigious Psychology Department at PCOM. He is an internationally known Psychologist who will do great things for Touro,” he said.

Dr. Robert DiTomasso, Professor and Chair of the Psychology Dept. at PCOM, concurred. “Art has profoundly impacted the skills of his students, the professional development of his staff, the careers of his colleagues, and the lives of his patients. Those of us who have worked with him are grateful for his wisdom, caring, friendship, and seemingly endless creativity,” he said, adding, "I fully expect that he will be an invaluable resource to the Touro community.” 

About the Touro College and University System

Touro is a system of non-profit institutions of higher and professional education. Touro College was chartered in 1970 primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American and global community. Approximately 18,000 students are currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College has 30 campuses and locations in New York, California, Nevada, Berlin, Jerusalem and Moscow. New York Medical College; Touro University California and its Nevada branch campus; Touro University Worldwide and its Touro College Los Angeles division; as well as Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Ill. are separately accredited institutions within the Touro College and University System. For further information on Touro College, please go to: http://www.touro.edu/news/