The national academy of neuropsychology at 35: a developmental history.

Neuropsychologists are very familiar with the reasons why it is important to study history. The study of history is important for organizations as well as individuals. Preservation and understanding of an organization’s history facilitates a deeper appreciation of where the organization has come from, including some of those who played key roles in its development, and helps current and future leaders learn what went well and what mistakes were made so that the organization can prosper in the future. As I prepared to become the 30th president of the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) in 2010, the organization’s 35th year of existence, I thought the timing was good for delving into NAN’s early years and subsequent development, building upon the earlier and briefer descriptions of NAN’s history. My goals were simple: To learn about NAN’s history for my own interest, share what I learned with others, and preserve and memorialize NAN’s history for those who may be interested in learning more about the organization in the future. It is hoped that the information obtained from the past presidents and others can help future leaders of the organization to ensure NAN’s continued success.