Introduction to Stephen G. West's Murray Award Address

I am honored to introduce Stephen G. West, the winner of the Henry A. Murray Award for Outstanding Contributions to Personology and the Study of Human Lives. Steve's contributions as a methodologist and statistician are appreciated by anyone who has struggled with complex interactions and unusual research designs. These empirical innovations have contributed enormously to broadening and deepening the kinds of data that can be used to study personality. Perhaps less apparent, but crucial in his selection for this award, is Steve's leadership in diversifying the field of personality psychology. In his capacity as editor of the Journal of Personality in the 1980s and early 1990s, Steve effectively shepherded personology into the mainstream of personality research. Also important was Steve's willingness not only to mentor his own graduate students, but to rescue a considerable number of strays. In his generativity and inclusiveness, Steve has effectively elevated the field of personality and the persons within it.