Gary Lacy Named Associate Dean of School Of Human Services

Lacy comes to his new role from the National PTA where he has been deputy executive director. At the Springfield College School of Human Services, he will be responsible for instructional and curricular components at the school’s ten campuses across the United States. The SHS is the only school in an institution of higher education in the United States providing bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in human services, and is the largest program of its kind in the nation. Springfield College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and SHS undergraduate programs are accredited by Council for Standards in Human Service Education.

In announcing Lacy’s appointment, Willey said, “Gary Lacy brings an impressive background in academic administration and not-for-profit leadership. The field of human services is growing at the rapid pace of societal change. Dr. Lacy’s talent and experience will be valuable in assuring that our programs to educate tomorrow’s human services leaders remain on the cutting edge.”

Previous to his service with the National PTA, Lacy was executive director of Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. Before that, he was director and chair of graduate studies in counseling and assistant professor at Heidelberg College. Earlier in his career, he held managerial positions with the National Crime Prevention Council, and Children’s Defense Fund.

A graduate of Shaw University, Lacy earned his master’s degree at Bowie State University and doctoral degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In the field of social services and youth issues, he is the author of several published articles, has lectured internationally, and has received various research grants. He also is a member of a number of professional organizations in the field of counseling.

The Springfield College School of Human Services’ bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are designed to build the leadership skills of human services professionals while they are serving their communities. Several SHS campuses are in partnership with the YMCA of the USA, which recently named Springfield College a premier educator of YMCA professionals.

The SHS curriculum is structured for working adults with classes two weekends a month for bachelor’s degree candidates and one weekend a month at the master’s level. A hallmark of the program is that students identify a community need and design and implement a program to address it. Such projects are usually done in partnership with community organizations.

Lacy will be based at Springfield College’s main campus in Springfield, Mass., and will make his new home in Longmeadow, Mass.

Released: 03/10/2005