Meet Jennifer
About Dr. Jennifer McGraw
A life of caring, loving, guiding, helping and healing others.
Professor of Psychology & Department Chair
Slippery Rock University · Since 2001 (25+ years)
Dr. Jennifer McGraw is a clinical psychologist, professor, and department chair who has dedicated 25 years to Slippery Rock University. But statistics don’t capture who she really is. Her students have described her as “probably the best psychology professor in the department” and highlight her passion, knowledge, and genuine care for their growth.
In recent years, she has focused much of her time and energy on running a large department with 25 faculty and over 800 students, striving to foster a positive culture where faculty can be their best and give their best to students. She teaches the Seminar in Professional Psychology — a capstone class that students take on internship, one of the last classes before they graduate and enter the world as helpers themselves.
One of Jennifer’s passions has been conducting research on body image and disordered eating for over 30 years — from a small project as a college senior examining the role of shame in eating disorders, to her most recent work investigating body image in LGBTQ+ populations. She founded the Reflections Body Image Program, which is dedicated to empowering students struggling with body image and self-worth. She is a longstanding member of the Gender Studies Program at SRU, whose aim is to empower those whose voices are most marginalized in our society.
Education
PhD, Clinical Psychology
Kent State University
MA, Clinical Psychology
Kent State University
BA, Psychology
George Mason University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
University of Rochester Medical Center
Published Book
Multifamily Therapy Group for Young Adults with Anorexia Nervosa: Reconnecting for Recovery
Co-authored with Mary Tantillo and Daniel Le Grange
Routledge, 2021
Research published in
What her students say
“Probably the best psychology professor in the department”
“Very clear and concise lectures, to the point where you will understand even if you are half-awake”
“Very passionate and knowledgeable about abnormal psych”
Jennifer’s Partner
About Bob
“My wife, my best friend, and the most caring person I have ever met.”
Bob and Jennifer immediately knew it was destiny that their paths had led them to each other. They were engaged in 2013 and married in 2014. Overnight it would seem, this single woman would expand her family, becoming a wife, stepmother to 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.
When Jennifer’s disease began accelerating, Bob became her advocate, her researcher, and her voice. He drove her to Baltimore to visit a Center for Excellence in PKD. He explored every option, sought second and third opinions, and ultimately helped navigate the path to UPMC’s transplant program.
Bob is the one who built this campaign — because Jennifer would never ask for herself. Every word on the story page written “From Bob” is his. He wants you to know who she is, because he believes that once you do, you’ll understand why she’s worth fighting for.
“Jennifer has spent her life helping people find their way forward. Now I’m asking the world to do the same for her.”
About This Campaign
This campaign was built by Jennifer’s family to help find living organ donors.
We are working directly with Jennifer’s transplant center. All potential donors will be screened and evaluated by the transplant team.
A note on transparency
Portions of this website were created with the assistance of AI tools. All factual content about Jennifer’s professional background has been verified against public records. Personal story sections will be written in Jennifer and Bob’s own words.
Have questions? Contact us →