American Psychological Association Appointed New Editor

University of Arizona professor John M. Ruiz has been named the next editor-in-chief of American Psychologist.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People

American Psychological Association Appointed New Editor

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The American Psychological Association has selected John M. Ruiz to serve as the editor-in-chief of its flagship journal, American Psychologist. Ruiz will succeed current editor-in-chief Harris Cooper.

Why it matters

This leadership transition ensures continuity for the journal, which has been a prominent publication in the field since 1946. The appointment reflects the association's ongoing commitment to professional oversight and academic standards.

The editor-in-chief role spans a six-year term, following the established duration of the current leadership. American Psychologist has maintained its publication record since its inception in 1946.

The players

John M. Ruiz

He is a professor at the University of Arizona who holds a Ph.D. in clinical health psychology from the University of Utah.

Harris Cooper

He is the outgoing editor-in-chief of American Psychologist who will conclude his six-year term in 2027.

American Psychological Association

This is a professional organization representing psychologists in the United States that publishes the journal American Psychologist.

The details

John M. Ruiz, currently a professor at the University of Arizona, previously served as the editor-in-chief of Health Psychology. He earned his Ph.D. in clinical health psychology from the University of Utah.

1946: American Psychologist was first published.
2026: Ruiz concludes his role as editor-in-chief of Health Psychology.
January 1, 2027: Ruiz begins handling new submissions.
2027: Harris Cooper completes his six-year term.
January 1, 2028: Ruiz formally assumes the editor-in-chief role.

Market Landscape

This leadership change aligns with the ongoing administrative evolution of major academic journals. It positions the publication to maintain its standing against other professional psychological outlets.

Readers and researchers submitting work to the journal should prepare for a transition in editorial oversight starting in early 2027. This move will eventually change the publication's submission review process under the new leadership.

The takeaway

This appointment highlights the standard rotation of academic leadership roles in professional associations. Researchers should track upcoming submission deadlines to align with the scheduled editorial transition.

What happens next

John M. Ruiz will begin his transition to handling new submissions on January 1, 2027, and will formally assume the full editor-in-chief role on January 1, 2028.