Counseling psychology faculty recognized by American Psychological Association Division 17

Edward Delgado-Romero and Collette Chapman-Hilliard, faculty members in the Mary Frances Early College of Education, received awards and fellowships from Division 17 of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Society of Counseling Psychology.

Delgado-Romero, associate dean for faculty and staff services and professor, received the Social Justice Award in Counseling Psychology and Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Awards.

The Social Justice Award in Counseling Psychology recognizes an APA member who demonstrates a commitment to community involvement and supporting marginalized groups. The Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award recognizes long-term excellence in mentoring others in the counseling psychology field through leadership, practice, or teaching. Delgado-Romero has mentored students for the past 19 years in the College, and founded La Clínica in LaK’ech, a free bilingual clinic that provided service to the community and training to bilingual mental health professionals for nine years.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for my work. These are individual honors, but they are a result of the hard work of my students and alumni and the support of my wife Angela Romero-Shih,” Delgado-Romero said. “The awards recognize me specifically, but we all share the honor.”

Chapman-Hilliard, an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, was named a Fellow of APA. Fellowship is granted to APA members who demonstrate outstanding achievement in the field and whose work has made an impact at the national level.

At the 2023 APA Convention, Chapman-Hilliard received the Melba J.T. Vasquez Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions in Research for her contributions to racial and ethnic psychology, and the counseling psychology program received the 2023 Suinn Minority Achievement Award for its commitment to advancing equity in the field.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named an APA Fellow, and I am thankful to all who have supported me in my professional journey,” Chapman-Hilliard said. “This recognition expands pathways for me to continually advance Black psychology and scholarship that centers the experiences and cultural strengths of marginalized people groups.”

Delgado-Romero and Chapman-Hilliard were recognized for their achievements at the annual APA Convention, held Aug. 8-10 in Seattle, Washington.