Joseph French is a professor emeritus of education at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). He was a faculty member at the University of Nebraska and the University of Missouri before joining the faculty of Penn State in 1964. As a professor of special education and educational psychology, he directed programs in school psychology (1965-1977), special education (1969-1976), and educational psychology (1977-1990).

Dr. French has contributed significantly to the field of school psychology. The tests he authored have advanced psychological assessment and influenced education for the gifted, special education, and early intervention. He is also well known for his contributions to national policy for education and training in school psychology and his work on the history of school psychology. He holds a diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology in School Psychology and has received multiple honors for his contributions to school psychology.

In 1996, he received the Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Science and Profession of Psychology from the Pennsylvania Psychology Association. He has served on the editorial boards of many journals and is the author or editor of 20 books, nine tests including the Pictorial Test of Intelligence, and numerous articles in refereed journals. Dr. French has also made significant contributions through his work on professional boards and associations including the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, the American Psychological Association, the APA Division of School Psychology, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. French receive the Illinois State University Alumni Achievement Award in 1987 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998.

Joseph French (BSE 1949, MSE 1950) was one of several individuals inducted into the College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2006 Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held on February 18, 2006 in the Old Main Room in the Bone Student Center; a reception for all of the inductees was held the previous day. Pictured to the right is Dr. Mark Swerdlik, Professor and Coordinator of the Graduate Programs in School Psychology, Dr. French, and Dean Gary Olson of the College of Arts and Sciences.