Asst. Dean at Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Prof. Maria Claudette Alvarez-Agnes is a distinguished academic, psychologist, and educational leader with decades of service to higher education and mental health advocacy in the Philippines. Currently serving as Assistant Dean of the College of Science at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), she is widely recognized for her contributions to psychology curriculum development, licensure exam readiness, and student mental wellness initiatives. As Chair of the CHED Technical Panel on Psychology, she has led nationwide reforms, aligned programs with international frameworks, and developed evaluative tools for Centers of Excellence. Her deep commitment to quality education, faculty development, and student success has made her a respected figure in academia and policy circles alike. Prof. Agnes balances her leadership with service to national bodies like the PRC CPD Council and remains a key influencer in shaping psychological education in the Philippines. Her work continues to bridge policy, research, and practice to foster a robust, ethical, and evidence-based psychology profession.
Professional Profile
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Education
Prof. Agnes holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, which she completed in May 2006 with the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude. Prior to her doctorate, she earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the same institution in May 2001, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Far Eastern University, where she graduated Cum Laude in March 1991. Throughout her academic career, Prof. Agnes consistently demonstrated excellence in scholarship, laying a solid foundation for her leadership and research endeavors in the field of psychology. Her early academic success was evident even during her high school and elementary years, where she was a consistent honor student. This exceptional educational background has not only equipped her with deep theoretical knowledge but has also fueled her passion for mental health, education policy, and academic reform.
Experience
Prof. Agnes brings over three decades of progressive academic and leadership experience. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of the College of Science at UST, where she leads curriculum planning, accreditation, faculty development, and student wellness initiatives. She also served as Chairperson of the UST Department of Psychology (2010–2020), where she transformed the undergraduate and graduate programs through innovative curricular reforms aligned with CHED and PRC standards. She has played a pivotal role as Chair of the CHED Technical Panel for Psychology Programs, authoring national policies and evaluation instruments that shape psychological education across the Philippines. She is also a Program Lead at UST Graduate School and a member of the PRC CPD Council, contributing to continuing education for psychology professionals. Her leadership extends to quality assurance roles, accreditation management, policy-making, and faculty mentoring, positioning her as a pillar of academic excellence and institutional advancement in psychology and higher education.
Research Interest
Prof. Agnes’s research interests center around clinical psychology, psychological assessment, mental health education, and curriculum development in higher education. She is especially passionate about studying the psychological well-being of students, developing tools for evidence-based counseling, and assessing the impact of educational reforms on licensure outcomes. Her research has informed the creation of retooled psychology curricula at UST, integrating competencies outlined in national and ASEAN frameworks. As a recognized thought leader in psychology education, she emphasizes lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and professional ethics within her scholarly work. Additionally, she promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research focused on mental health services delivery, counseling innovations, and faculty development. Her role as a mentor has enabled many faculty and students to undertake and publish research projects in local and international forums. Through her administrative and academic leadership, she continuously fosters a research culture grounded in societal relevance, academic rigor, and public service.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Maria Claudette Alvarez-Agnes has received numerous recognitions for her exemplary service in academia and psychological education. Most notably, she graduated Summa Cum Laude in her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, and Magna Cum Laude in her master’s degree—rare honors reflecting her scholarly excellence. As the first Assistant Dean from the Department of Psychology in UST’s College of Science, she has broken new ground for academic leadership in the university’s history. She has also been appointed as Chair of the CHED Technical Panel and entrusted with the development of national policies for psychology education, a testament to her expertise and influence. Her leadership contributed to the UST Psychology Department’s PACUCOA Level IV Re-Accreditation, Center of Excellence recognition, and ASEAN University Network (AUN) Quality Assurance certification. These honors not only highlight her administrative accomplishments but also reflect her dedication to elevating the standards of psychology education both locally and internationally.
Research Skills
Prof. Agnes possesses a wide range of research skills rooted in her training as a clinical psychologist and her leadership roles in curriculum development. She is proficient in qualitative and quantitative psychological research methods, particularly in areas such as psychological assessment, mental health evaluation, and education reform. Her administrative expertise enables her to design and implement large-scale academic assessments, policy reviews, and curriculum-based studies. She also guides graduate students and faculty in research design, data analysis, ethical compliance, and publication preparation. She has led projects involving the development of assessment tools, licensure exam alignment strategies, and program evaluation frameworks under CHED and PRC regulations. Her research skillset also includes program evaluation, impact assessment, and benchmarking practices with international institutions. Through mentoring, capacity-building, and hands-on collaboration, Prof. Agnes empowers colleagues and students alike to pursue research that is rigorous, socially relevant, and impactful in the field of psychology and beyond.
Publications Top Notes
Title: TheExperienceofPowerandtheTendencytoWorshipCelebrities
Authors: C.Tengco-Pacquing,R.Cayubit,M.Reyes,M.C.Agnes,L.E.McCutcheon
Year: 2014
Citations: 5
Journal: NorthAmericanJournalofPsychology,16(2)
Title: TheEffectsofDevelopmentofCompassion(DOC)InterventionProgramonCompassionFatigueandCompassionSatisfactionofMedicalInterns
Authors: D.A.G.Lacson,M.C.A.Agnes
Year: 2021
Citations: 4
Journal: NorthAmericanJournalofPsychology,23(2)
Title: EfficacyofBehaviourModificationTherapyonInternetGamingDisorderoftheSelectedFilipinoHighSchoolStudents
Authors: A.P.Ramos,C.A.Agnes
Year: 2020
Citations: 1
Journal: IAFORJournalofPsychology&theBehavioralSciences,6(1),101–116
Title: PsychodynamicBriefInterventionProgram(PBIP):APilotStudy
Authors: M.J.M.Valero,M.C.Agnes
Year: 2019
Citations: 1
Journal: IndianJournalofHealthandWellbeing,10(1–3),1–7
Title: FactorsAssociatedwithInternetGamingDisorderSymptomsofAdolescents:FoundationinDevelopingandImplementingaBehaviorModificationTherapy
Authors: A.P.Ramos,M.C.A.Agnes
Year: 2021
Journal: ADDICTA:TheTurkishJournalonAddictions,8(2)
Title: ChallengesoftheBankSeniorExecutivesatMidlife:APhenomenologicalCaseStudy
Author: M.J.M.V.MariaClaudetteAgnes
Year: 2021
Journal: MOJGerontology&Geriatrics,6(1),7
Title: SymptomsofAdolescents:FoundationinDevelopingandImplementingaBehaviorModificationTherapy
Authors: A.P.Ramos,M.C.A.Agnes
Year: 2021
Note: PossibleduplicateorextendedversionofPublication#5
Title: CouplesInterventionProgram:ItsEffectonthePerceivedPsychologicalIncapacityofProspectiveRespondentsinAnnulmentCases
Author: M.C.M.A.Agnes
Year: 2006
Institution: USTGraduateSchool(Thesis/Dissertation)
Conclusion
Prof. Maria Claudette Alvarez-Agnes is an exemplary academic leader and psychologist whose contributions to mental health education, curriculum development, and higher education policy have significantly advanced the field of psychology in the Philippines. Her vision, execution, and dedication to both student development and professional standards underscore her suitability for the Outstanding Scientist Award. With her strategic leadership and continued commitment to academic excellence, she is poised to lead further research breakthroughs and shape national and regional psychological education frameworks in the years to come.