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Gary Lacy

Currently, I serve as Professor, Human Services and Human Development at State University of New York, Center for Distance Learning, Empire State College. Before this appointment, I served as Dean of SUNY/Empire State College in Hartsdale, New York. I bring over 25 years of experience in teaching, community organizing, research, evaluation and policy analysis. I also served as Associate Dean and Director of Curriculum Instruction at Springfield College. I led the development of the Project Sequence, and taught Graduate Project I-IV and Advocacy and Policy Analysis. 

In Chapel Hill, NC I conducted large-scale qualitative and quantitative evaluations of employment, juvenile justice projects and education programs. I worked as a policy analyst for the Children’s' Defense Fund in Washington DC, focusing on policy development and community organizing. I spend two years with the National Crime Prevention Council, focusing on crimes issues and working with local communities. I was Deputy CEO to the National PTA, leading its lobbying efforts on legislative initiative such as NCLB, IDEA and violence in the schools. For 15 years, I have taught policy analysis and advocacy (in human services).  I have written articles on advocacy, youth development and have published a book on Head Start. My doctorate is in counselor education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. . .Go Hokies!

Degrees

  • B.A. in Liberal Studies from Shaw University
  • M.S. in Psychology from Bowie State University

Publications

  • Lacy, G. (1999). Head Start Social Services: How African American Mothers Use and Perceive Head Start. New York: Garland Publications
  • Lacy, G. (1997). Head Start Social Services: Experiences, Perceptions and Benefits from the Perspective of the Mother. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA.
  • Lacy, G. (1992). Community Based Organizations: Responding to the Needs of African American and Latino Youth. William T. Grant Foundation Commission on Work, Family and Citizenship, Washington, DC.
  • Lacy, G. & Johnson, C. (1989). State Youth Employment Initiatives: A Resource Guide and Framework for Action. Children's Defense Fund, Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, Washington, DC.
  • Lacy, G. (1984). Psychodynamics of the Battering Relationship. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland