Seton Hill University Professor of Social Work David C. Droppa has received the Outstanding Social Work Program Director Award from the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD).

Droppa, who has served on the faculty of Seton Hill since 2000, was recognized on March 9 at the Association’s 41st annual conference in New Orleans. Each year, BPD honors schools of social work and program directors who have achieved distinction in social work education. Droppa was one of two program directors honored at the conference for contributions to social work education, including teaching, service, and publication, and service to the national organization and presenting at the annual conferences. 

“This is the first time that Seton Hill has been recognized at the BPD national conference, so it was not only a humbling experience for me, but an honor for our University,” Droppa said. “Having attended numerous presentations by faculty from universities all over the United States, I've learned that what our social work students tell us is mirrored by faculty and students from social work programs all over the country: that our program is exceptionally strong, and prepares students for grad school and careers helping people with hands-on, student-centered, and community-connected learning. As I went up to receive the award, I experienced tremendous pride to be furthering Seton Hill's reputation of excellence.”

Droppa has over 50 years of clinical, fund raising, administrative and academic experience with individuals, families, and human service organizations. His areas of teaching include the democratic classroom, individual, family and group practice, policy, and organizational practice (with a focus on outcome evaluation and organizational behavior and management).  His research interests include service learning in policy practice, collaboration failure, diversity, equity and inclusion, and the use retreats in social work education.  

In addition to his teaching in social work and the liberal arts, he serves as social work program director, is a co-chair for the Seton Hill President’s Task Force for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and is a co-facilitator of a Project HOME, a Task Force initiative. Droppa, who holds a doctorate from the University of California at Berkley, an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelor’s from Houghton College, has published in journals and textbooks, and presented at national and international professional conferences.

The Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) is an association of BSW program administrators, faculty, field directors, and others dedicated to the promotion of excellence in baccalaureate social work education. Founded in 1975, the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors is a voluntary, individual membership association representing the interests of undergraduate education and practice in social work.