David Hulac, Ph.D., a professor of School Psychology in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, has been chosen as the 2022 Winchester Distinguished Scholar by UNC's Faculty Research and Publications Board.

The award, which recognizes demonstrated continued excellence in scholarly activity at UNC for at least five years, comes with a $2,000 monetary award and the designation as an A.M. and Jo Winchester Distinguished Professor for the rest of the honoree’s time at UNC.

Hulac’s research examines classroom management processes that teachers use. His most recent book, published with Amy Briesch of Northeastern University is Effective Classroom Management: An evidence-based approach. Most recently, he has specialized in the effects of fidget devices and exercise stability balls on classroom and student behavior and academic achievement. Over the past five years, several devices like fidget spinners, cubes and putty-like substances have been created with claims that they help promote focus and reduce anxiety. Hulac’s research has generally found that student on-task behavior, as well as their academic performance, is lower when they use these devices. 

Over the past several years, Hulac has presented his work at state and national school psychology associations in Louisiana, Texas, Washington, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming and Ohio.  He is currently the president-elect of the School Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association, and a past president of the Trainers of School Psychology (TSP). He is a licensed psychologist and a licensed school psychologist in the State of Colorado.