Rick Cresta Promoted to Senior Lecturer
BU School of Social Work (BUSSW) proudly announces the promotion of Rick Cresta, LICSW, MSW, MPH, to the rank of senior lecturer. A dedicated educator, practitioner, and advocate, Cresta has made a lasting impact on the school and the field through his decades-long commitment to justice-involved youth and trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
With extensive experience in both clinical practice and policy, Prof. Cresta has focused his career on improving outcomes for system-involved young people. His work emphasizes harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches—especially for youth impacted by violence, poverty, and structural racism. Drawing from years of direct service in community, residential, and correctional settings, he brings a grounded, real-world perspective into the classroom.
At BUSSW, Cresta teaches courses in clinical practice, substance use, ethics, and group work. His mentorship has shaped the future generation of social workers prepared to work at the intersection of behavioral health, criminal justice, and community empowerment. In 2024, graduating students honored Cresta with the Excellence in Teaching Award, an accolade that reflects his outstanding dedication to teaching and mentorship.
Outside the classroom, Prof. Cresta is a frequent trainer and consultant for schools, mental health centers, law enforcement, and youth-serving organizations across Massachusetts. His contributions have helped shape culturally competent responses to youth violence, substance use, and trauma in underserved communities.
With this promotion, BUSSW celebrates Prof. Cresta’s outstanding contributions to the school, the profession, and the communities he serves. His continued leadership as senior lecturer will further enrich the academic experience for BUSSW students and advance the school’s mission of promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice through education and practice.