Richard Allen Griggs

Rich was Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Florida. After earning his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology at Indiana University, he went to the University of Florida, where he spent his entire academic career. While at the University of Florida, he won numerous teaching awards at the college, university, and state levels and was named APA’s Society for the Teaching of Psychology Teacher of the Year for 4-year Colleges and Universities in 1994. He served on the Editorial Board of Teaching of Psychology for over a decade, as a Contemporary Psychology consulting editor for textbook reviews, and as an associate editor of Thinking and Reasoning. His two main research areas were human reasoning and the teaching of psychology. He published more than 150 journal articles, reviews, and book chapters, including 51 in Teaching of Psychology—continuing to actively research and publish during his retirement. Many of his publications were co-authored with his wife, psychologist Sherri Jackson. His introductory psychology textbook—Psychology: A Concise Introduction, is used nationally and internationally, and is currently in the 6th edition.

Rich was an avid runner, reader, golfer, and gardener for most of his adult life. He and Sherri enjoyed doing all of these things together. Rich and Sherri were true soulmates who shared their careers, hobbies, and interests. They also enjoyed the companionship of four wonderful pet friends during their 31-year marriage—Bennie, Henry, Percy, and Lucy.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Sherri; his daughter, Jennifer Griggs-Smith, his sister, Betty Hart, and the Jackson family. We are grateful to sister-in-law Julie Jackson, RN, for her aid in caring for Rich during his last months and to Community Hospice.

In respect of Rich’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society or to Community Hospice in his name.