Psychology pioneer to speak at SOPP workshop, graduation

Dr. Melba Vasquez has published more than 70 books, book chapters and journal articles and has received numerous awards for professional contributions, career service, leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. She was a member of the first APA Minority Fellowship Program class in 1975 and established her first private practice in Austin, Texas, in 1991.

A psychology pioneer will be the featured speaker July 13 during the Wright State School of Professional Psychology graduation ceremony.

Dr. Melba Vasquez will address 22 graduates at 11 a.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room. She will also be the presenter at a continuing education workshop July 12. Vasquez was named president of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2011, the first Latina to serve in that role.

“We think Dr. Vasquez is a phenomenal woman,” said Associate Dean LaPearl Logan Winfrey, Ph.D.

“She has been in the forefront of advocacy for multicultural competence in clinical practice. She is a well-known expert in the psychology of people of color and of women. She co-authored an ethics textbook that we use here and is one of the most widely used texts in psychology programs across the country.  She was also a first-generation college student. Her interests and background mirror those of many students at the School of Professional Psychology.”

Vasquez has published more than 70 books, book chapters and journal articles and has received numerous awards for professional contributions, career service, leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. She was a member of the first APA Minority Fellowship Program class in 1975 and established her first private practice in Austin, Texas, in 1991.

“Dr. Vasquez has uniquely combined being a clinician, scholar, leader, advocate and mentor,” Winfrey said. “In spite of the odds facing her as a woman of color and a first-generation college student, she has gained national prominence for multifaceted work that has greatly impacted our field.”

The continuing education workshop will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Student Union 156 Endeavor Room. The topic will be “Multicultural Competence in a Changing World: An Ethical Imperative.” Vasquez will refer to vignettes from her personal experience as she discusses how practitioners can provide vital psychotherapy services to ethnic minority populations.

The workshop fee is $70, $30 for students and interns with documentation, and is open to the public. Registration is required for all participants. Register at www.wright.edu/sopp. For more information, call (937) 775-4308.