Psychology professors turn motorcycles into therapy

Psychology professors turn motorcycles into therapy

A 75-year-old professor who rides a Harley is unforgettable for most students. Lipscomb’s psychology department proudly claims that unique motorcycle-collecting faculty member in Dr. Roy Hamley. Hamley, one of the three self-titled “psycle therapists,” rides with his colleagues Dr. Shanna Ray and Dr. Jake Morris on weekends in the spring and fall when the weather is nice. After his son and daughter both bought Harleys, Hamley, who currently has four motorcycles, decided he should join the excitement and live “full throttle.” “I thought if they’re having all that fun, I’m going to find out what I’m missing,” he said. “So, I’ve been riding about 20 years, and I should have started sooner. I wasted a half a century before I started.” Morris and Ray began riding two years ago, after they took a motorcycle safety course together. More than half of the professors in the psychology department ride motorcycles, and those in the department who don’t ride enjoy teasing those who do. Ray said she heard that Dr. Paul Turner, one of her colleagues, was “talking trash.” “He has a bicycle,” she explained, “and he was telling his classes that he’s the only real biker in the department. He was making out like we’re a bunch of sissies who sit there and twist throttle, and you know, he actually has to work.” Ray noted, with a laugh, that the only time she and Morris argue is when they’re disputing who should take the lead when they’re on their bikes. Morris agreed, explaining the two get along well at work. “When we get on our bikes and you’re ahead of...