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Krista Fritson has had a penchant for helping others since her early childhood.
“My parents worked hard in our neighborhood and at school, so I developed empathy and compassion early in life,” she said.
The Kearney native often listened and was there for his family and friends, especially those who were struggling because of hardships. She then developed a curiosity about people’s behavior and choices and how they lead to different pathways and consequences.
These early experiences led Fritson on the path to psychology. The UNK professor earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kearney State College (now UNK) in 1988, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Fort Hays State University in 1991 and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the former Forest Institute of Professional Psychology of Springfield, Missouri. in 1997.
She is now in her 20th year of teaching at UNK.
Why did you choose this professional path?
My parents did not attend college; however, they strongly encouraged academic and learning success, as well as a strong work ethic and passion for pursuing my dreams. Because my aspirations of becoming the first female quarterback for the then-Los Angeles Rams didn’t seem like a viable option, I easily concluded that being a psychologist was where my heart was.
I entered undergraduate school with no knowledge of the system; however, I was the recipient of academic and softball/volleyball scholarships that led me to Kearney State College. I also had opportunities to work at the Richard Young Hospital, which reinforced my desire to become a clinical psychologist. I had planned to work full-time as a clinician, but after teaching a few additional courses, I accepted a full-time position at UNK in 2004 as an assistant professor of psychology.
What courses do you currently teach?
I currently teach clinical courses such as Psychopathology, Introduction to Clinical Psychology, Abnormal Behavior and Society, Clinical Field Experience, and Clinical Internships.
How does UNK’s psychology program prepare students for their future careers?
Our psychology program is excellent for preparing students for immediate careers as baccalaureate-level mental health workers in hospitals, people with developmental disabilities, health and human services, business, research, human resources, and a variety of other positions. Our program also prepares students for further study at various graduate schools in psychology – clinical, social, forensic, developmental, health, industrial/organizational, cognitive, physiological, research and health sciences areas .
Our program and faculty are diverse and creative in their teaching approaches, but we are committed to pedagogy and integrate experiential opportunities, research, community connections/service, and flexibility into our courses.
You also work with UNK student-athletes. Tell me about this:
My role with student-athletes at UNK is generally related to sports, particularly performance enhancement, conflict resolution, and team building. The fundamentals, evidence-based knowledge, experience as a collegiate athlete, and years of coaching athletes come together well to support an effective approach to supporting UNK student-athletes. I have worked consistently with the volleyball team for approximately 15 years and have worked intermittently with the men’s and women’s basketball, golf and tennis teams. I have also worked with individual athletes representing all UNK athletic teams.
If not, how are you involved on campus and in the community?
Director of the Central Nebraska Regional Branch of the Nebraska Behavioral Health Education Center (BHECN)
Sponsor of the Psychology Club
Advisor to Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology
Clinical Director of Central Nebraska Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS)
Member of the HealthyMINDS and Suicide Prevention Coalition of Community Partners of Buffalo County committees
Advocate for Region 3 Behavioral Health Services Community Partners
Monday Mental Health Speaker on NTV every Monday at 5:10 p.m.
Speaker on mental wellness on KSNB Local 4 TV every second Thursday of the month at 11:45 a.m.
Mental Health Consultant and Speaker on “Talk of the Town,” KGFW Radio
What do you like most about UNK?
I’m bleeding blue! I love the comfortable, student-centered atmosphere at UNK, as well as the mutually respectful and interactive relationship between UNK and the Kearney area community.
Share a funny story about yourself:
I have one adult child who graduated from UNK and another who graduated from UNL – both in 2021. I also play pickleball.
“Ask an Antelope” is a Q&A series highlighting UNK faculty and staff and their impact on the campus and community.
