2005 Walter Barnard Hill Awards for Distinguished Achievement in University Public Service & Outreach

Mark Foster

Mark Foster has been developing a solid program of employment testing services technical for public sector organizations such as law enforcement and fire department s across the state of Georgia since 1989. Dr. Foster has worked with more than 30 state and local public safety agencies, and his programs involve testing more than 1,500 candidates per year for leadership positions since the program’s inception.

Dr. Foster is also a nationally known author and collaborative researcher with faculty in the Applied Psychology Program. His instructional programs have reached more than 3,000 law enforcement administrators from 24 states from New Mexico to Maine. His dedication to the profession has epitomized the ideal balance between the academy, service, outreach, and international leadership. He holds an impressive record in three major areas: technical assistance for state and local law enforcement agencies; state, regional, national, and international leadership in employment testing services; and service to the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the University- his tireless efforts have generated more than $2.1 million in revenue for the Institute of Government.

Dr. Foster has expanded his program to such a great extent that he has become a formidable presence among law enforcement agencies. He has conducted more than 100 jobs analysis studies, developed more than 150 job knowledge examinations, and trained more than 2,500 assessors from 25 states in the proper evaluation of candidates’ potential and current skill levels.

In addition to publishing numerous refereed articles, book chapters and papers for practitioner-oriented handbooks and manuals, Dr. Foster as authored and co-authored 139 technical reports. As a result of his state, regional, national and international reputation, he is in high demand for conferences throughout the country.

Over the years, Dr. Foster has been generous with his time as he has served on several committees which include, among others, the Faculty and Professional Staff Committee, the Program Review and Assessment Committee, and the Faculty Evaluation Committee.