Prof. Melvin Delgado Retires from BUSSW, Named Professor Emeritus
Prolific social work researcher and author Melvin Delgado will retire from his role as professor at Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) this June after more than forty years on the School’s faculty. He will be awarded the professor emeritus title upon retirement as a recognition by BU for his lifetime contributions to the university and his field.
Delgado’s impact at BUSSW has been extensive and multi-faceted. Since joining the School as an associate professor in 1979, Delgado served as a department chair for nearly thirty years, leading the Macro Practice Department from its earlier incarnation as Community Organization, Management and Planning. He served as director of the PhD Program in Sociology and Social Work, co-director of the School’s Center on Addictions Research and Services, and acting coordinator of the Racism-Oppression Sequence.
An expert in community and youth-engaged practice, Delgado has focused primarily on community-capacity enhancement in marginalized urban groups, particularly Latino and youth populations. His research ranges from work in substance use, treatment and prevention programs to economic and arts-related community empowerment.
The author of nearly 40 books, Delgado’s recent works include “The Silent Epidemic of Gun Injuries: Challenges and Opportunities for Treating and Preventing Gun Injuries” (Oxford University Press, 2022) and “‘They are Rioting in Sanctuary Cities: An Unfolding and Evolution of the Anti-Sanctuary Movement” (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2021). His latest book, “Urban Gun Violence: Empty Lots, Green Spaces, and Other Ecologically Focused Interventions” (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield) was released this spring. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and is currently a board member for a number of journals, including the Journal of Planning Literature, and the Journal of Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Substance Dependence, and serves as editor of Oxford University Press’s Social Justice Youth Community Practice series.
As a valued educator, mentor and colleague, Delgado received the BUSSW Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006 and the alumni award for Outstanding Contribution to BUSSW in 1996.
Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Professor Judith Gonyea remarked, “As an instructor, a mentor, and colleague, Melvin has impacted so many students’ and faculty members’ lives. His contributions to the School of Social Work are numerous, including many years of thoughtful leadership of the macro-practice department. As a researcher and scholar, he has contributed to the social work profession through prolific publications on urban cities and community assets.”