Saint Louis University psychology professor Frank Gilner always knew he wanted to pursue a career where he could help others. In fact, he paraphrases his favorite biblical saying, “He who saves a life, it is as if he has saved the world; he who heals a life, it is as if he has healed the world.”
Gilner is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College.
He learned more about the issues in psychology while in an introduction course during his junior year and has been active in the field ever since. He continued his education at Vanderbilt University, earning his master’s degree and later earning his doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University.
He joined the SLU faculty in 1967 and taught Abnormal Psychology courses at the undergraduate level. At the graduate level, he started a new course, Behavioral Therapy.
Years later, Gilner introduced undergraduate the course Marital Relations, Sexual Behavior and Parenting.
“Marital Relations is probably my favorite class to teach because it lets me discuss topics of vital practical concern to students at a time in their lives when they are actually dealing with many of the issues discussed,” Gilner said. “I can treat these topics in an informal atmosphere and have fun with the class.”
According to Nicole Honerkamp, president of University Ambassadors, a tour group once got the opportunity to look in on Gilner’s Marital Relations, Sexual Behavior and Parenting class, which is often shortened to “Sex Psych” by students.
“A University Ambassador was giving a tour on a Thursday at 10 a.m. last semester,” said Honerkamp. “She took the group (probably four or five families) down to Kelley Auditorium to show them a lecture hall at SLU. She encouraged them to just look in the window of Kelley, as a class was going on. By the time a high school student and his mother peeked in, they had strange looks on their faces. `They’re showing porn!’ said the student.
“She quickly tried to explain it was not the usual situation,” added Honerkamp.
In addition to teaching, Gilner introduced the clinical vertical teams, which was adopted as the major vehicle for clinical supervision at the graduate level. He also introduced the research team, which is now standard in the clinical program.
His research deals directly with the interests and behaviors of college-aged students. “My current, ongoing project is looking at the effects of romantic relationships among undergraduates on academic performance,” said Gilner.
Regardless of class size, Gilner takes attendance using note cards filled out by the students, and he calls roll every class meet.
“I like to give extra credit points for attendance,” Gilner adds. “I also like to learn students’ names, and I’ve never yet found a way that works better for me than reading students’ names aloud and putting the names with the faces when I hear them shout `here.'”
“Dr. Gilner is a great professor because he is friendly, approachable, and he introduced a great deal of humor into the class,” said senior Melanie Frazak. “I was always impressed by his desire and ability to learn the names of every student in such a large lecture. Dr. Gilner is definitely one of the best teachers I have had at SLU.”
Colleagues in the psychology department enjoy working with Gilner.
“Dr. Gilner goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Donna Levoie, associate professor of psychology. “He has been the director of the undergraduate department for years, and is so enthusiastic about his job. He is a valued member of the department. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Gilner is the father of four adult children and has three grandchildren. He enjoys camping, when he leaves his usual sports jackets and ties at home. In January, he and his wife celebrated 43 years of marriage.
“I am under a lot of pressure from my wife to retire,” Gilner said. “It’s hard to resist someone, who, after spending 43 years of her life with you, wants to spend even more time with you.”
Gilner has now been a professor at SLU for about 35 years. “I very much admire [SLU’s] value-based approach to education and to mentoring students,” Gilner added. “I also think the students are great.”
