NPA April Member Spotlight

In addition to my various NPA-related roles, I served as the co-chair of the APA Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance. I was also the chair of the Nebraska Board of Psychology (state licensing board) for eight years and was honored to receive the State Leadership Award from the Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). In 2025 I was elected for a three-year term on the  APA Ethics Committee.
In 2021 I stepped down as Executive Director of Counseling and Student Development at UNMC where I was also the Student Senate Advisor. At that time, I accepted a newly created position as the UNMC Ombuds Program director. In that role I provide confidential, off-the-record, behind-the-scenes problem solving consultations to UNMC faculty, staff, and students. I also continue to facilitate communication skills training classes for medical students and offer workshops on peer support and conflict resolution skills by request. I am an active member of the International Ombuds Association and completed two terms on the IOA Board of Directors where I co-chaired the Standards of Practice Task Force.

What have been your biggest professional achievements?
During my many years at UNMC I have provided counseling, consultation, and ombuds services to thousands of health professions students, faculty, and staff - helping them overcome personal/professional challenges and utilize their strengths to achieve meaningful life goals. I am also proud of my various leadership roles in NPA, APA, IOA, and the licensing board. My biggest reward has been the opportunity to collaborate with great colleagues/friends. I believe strongly that NPA is the best small population state psychological association in the country!

What are fun facts that people may not know about you? 
I attended high school in Wheaton, Illinois and participated in sports with comedian John Belushi. My nickname to high school friends was (and still is) “Coach” Carver. In college I was a “career student,” completing three master’s degrees before my PhD. In each of these graduate programs I had wonderful faculty advisors/mentors that were excellent role models for how to treat their students and colleagues. I still think of these mentors often. Finally, while serving on the APA Council of Representatives, I was appointed by APA Board member Mary Ann McCabe as the official DJ for the COR. In that role I selected pre and post meeting songs that I shared via email with the COR members. Here is my musical selection for this NPA Spotlight . 

Al Stewart – “Time Passages” (live)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qob1Hq57ymg

Download Member Spotlight PDF: Dave Carver PhD

You can connect with/send a message to Dr. Carver HERE