Students packed the L.A. Pittenger Student Center on Friday to hear the thoughts of the president-elect of the American Psychological Association.
Extra chairs had to be placed in the aisles for people to hear Dr. Melba Vasquez talk about "Competence in Psychotherapy."
The presentation focused on improving the psychology community's knowledge and skills for handling today's social demands.
Vasquez discussed the effectiveness of psychotherapy, ethnic issues and the reconciliation between scientific psychology and psychology in practice.
One of Vasquez's major points, though, was that psychologists need to work together to make the world better.
"[Ethical psychologists are] motivated to do what's right and stand firm in upholding their ideals," she said.
Vasquez said psychology departments such as Ball State's teach students in a way that advances psychology to meet society's needs.
Vasquez's speech seemed to be beneficial to Ball State students as well, including junior psychology major Scott Lahrman.
"I thought there was a lot of valuable information," he said. "I think it will help anyone pursuing a psychology career."
Vasquez has written more than 65 books on work in ethics, ethnic minority issues, social justice and women's issues. She's also received more than 30 awards for service, advocacy and mentoring.
She will take office at the APA on Jan. 1.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
