Research and Clinical Interests
Dr. McCreary has pursued research on family, spiritual, and cultural issues. He is a family therapist, and he has developed interventions to promote effective parenting within a spiritual and cultural context. His IMPPACT (I Must Pause Pray Analyze Chill and Take Action) programs are the focus of most of his current research. Dr. McCreary continues to see clients and exerts leadership in religious community. Dr. McCreary also has an interest in academic administration, having previously served VCU as Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity and Coordinator of the Quality Enhancement Plan. He is also a 2006-2007 American Council on Education Fellow, completing his fellowship with Dr. Patricia Cormier, President of Longwood University.
Selected Publications
McCreary, M. L., Cunningham, J. N., Ingram, K. M., & Fife, J. (2006). The effects of racial socialization and identity on coping among African American families. In P. Wong & C. Scott, Stress and coping: A multicultural perspective (pp.). Netherlands: Kluwer.
McCreary, M. L., & Walker, T. D. (2001). Teaching multicultural counseling prepracticum. Teaching of Psychology, 28(3), 195-198.
McCreary, M. L., Maffuid, J., & Stepter, T. A. (1998). Bridges to effective treatment: family therapy and family psychoeducational interventions with maltreating and substance abusing families. In R. L.
Hampton, V. Senstore, & T. P. Gullotta (Series Eds.), Substance abuse, family violence and child welfare: Bridging perspectives: Vol. 10. Issues in children's and families' lives (pp. 220-248). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
McCreary, M. L. (1998). The importance of non-abusive physical punishment: A response to Lowe (1998) and Larzelere (1998). Marriage and Family: A Christian Journal, 1, 205-207.
Recent Courses Taught at VCU
- Introduction to Psychology, undergraduate level
- Personal Awareness in Multicultural Counseling, graduate level
- Personality and Behavior of African Americans, undergraduate level
- Family Counseling and Family Psychology, graduate level
- Helping Relationships, undergraduate level
Recent Awards
- 2006-2007 ACE. As an ACE Fellow, I spent an extended period of time at Longwood University, working directly with President Patricia Cormier. As a Fellow: (1) I observed and participated in key meetings and events, and took on special project with the School of Education while under the mentorship of a team of experienced Longwood University administrators; (2) I participated in three week-long national seminars, visited other campuses, and attended several national meetings; (3) I made contact with a national network of higher education leaders; (4) I learned by observing and doing. The ACE Fellows Program enabled me to immerse myself in the culture, policies, and decision-making processes of Longwood University.