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Long Look native is 1st black male psychology professor @ Yale School of Medicine

VI native Dr Derrick Gordon has made history by becoming the first Black, male psychologist to be appointed as a full professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine in the department’s 96-year history. Photo: VINO/ File
Dr Gordon, who directs the Research, Policy, and Program on Male Development at The Consultation Centre and the Division of Prevention and Community Research, has had secondary faculty appointments at the Child Study Centre and the Yale School of Public Health. In addition, he is the inaugural Deputy Chair for Community Outreach and Engagement, Yale Department of Psychiatry. Photo: Internet Source
Dr Gordon, who directs the Research, Policy, and Program on Male Development at The Consultation Centre and the Division of Prevention and Community Research, has had secondary faculty appointments at the Child Study Centre and the Yale School of Public Health. In addition, he is the inaugural Deputy Chair for Community Outreach and Engagement, Yale Department of Psychiatry. Photo: Internet Source
CONNECTICUT, USA - Virgin Islands (VI) native Dr Derrick Gordon has made history by becoming the first Black male psychologist to be appointed as a full professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, in the department’s 96-year history.

Dr Gordon, who directs the Research, Policy, and Programme on Male Development at The Consultation Centre and the Division of Prevention and Community Research, has had secondary faculty appointments at the Child Study Centre and the Yale School of Public Health. In addition, he is the inaugural Deputy Chair for Community Outreach and Engagement at the Yale Department of Psychiatry. 

According to a release, Dr Gordon has shown that he is a national leader in adult and young adult men’s health and well-being, particularly among underserved populations and his integrated programme of research, community consultation, and clinical triage seeks to guide state and local policy to advance health and well-being and reduce disparities. 

Expertises contribute to department success 

It added that, through his scholarship and practice, Dr Gordon seeks to expand the knowledge base for behavioural health interventions and other programmatic approaches to address the needs of underserved populations.

His work has led to over 80 academic, peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and technical reports; numerous regional, national and international speaking engagements and academic consultations; and expert media presentations.

In addition to his academic success, he has been instrumental in supporting the development of the next generation of scholars and clinicians through mentorship and sponsorship as they navigate into their professional roles. 

Critical model

As a native of Long Look in the Virgin Islands, Dr Gordon acknowledges that his success is because of direct and indirect support and is rooted in the solid foundation built by the giants who have preceded him. These giants, he said, have modelled how hard work and perseverance can and do lead to positive outcomes. 

In 2018, he was one of two Yale psychiatry professors appointed to two transition committees.

With this recent achievement, Dr Gordon hopes that his success will serve as a critical model for others rising within departmental and academic ranks.

The release further stated that this promotion to Professor acknowledges Dr Gordon’s exemplary work at multiple levels to influence policy, practice, and the engagement of community members in enhancing well-being and reducing health disparities of underserved individuals.

31 Responses to “Long Look native is 1st black male psychology professor @ Yale School of Medicine ”

  • hmm (03/07/2026, 09:04) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wow, congrats, Professor Derrick. LongLook, we come from.
    • Cina (08/07/2026, 15:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I mistakenly pressed dislike and is unable to change it. However, I'm very proud to know he was chosen. Congratulations ???????????? Dr. Gordon!!!
    • west possee (08/07/2026, 16:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No. A West End he come from
  • Proud!! (03/07/2026, 09:11) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don't know Dr. Gordon, but I am very proud of his achievements as a Virgin Islander. We NEED him to help with behavioural health interventions HERE!! PLEASE. We are losing in this battle. I will be part of your team.
  • 2cents (03/07/2026, 09:48) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Dr. Gordon
  • Karnage (03/07/2026, 10:24) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are a mighty people.
  • WOW (03/07/2026, 10:52) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    OMG
    I dont know this man, but im feeling so proud of him as if he was my own brither
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (03/07/2026, 11:18) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations to you knewly recognized Long Look native Psychologist of medicine, Derrick Gordon. May your future be brighten by God's grace blessings. And may you not allow your heart (mind) to become filled with selfish pride, that has caused countless Millions worldwide that have fall short of their intended goal planned from the start of their journey.
  • BVIslander (03/07/2026, 11:47) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am wondering if he is related to Betteto Frett. I do recall a young man attending the BVI High School, with this name, when I also was a student. Congratulations Mr. Gordon. We are proud of your achievements.
    • Ooo (03/07/2026, 13:32) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      He is Amey Gordon's brother.
    • @bvislander (03/07/2026, 14:40) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      He is related to the Gordons, so that would be a yes). He is the Gordon sisters big brother: Amy, Andrea, Alva, Alfreda. His mom is Ms. Delphine watt let from Apple Bay. Not because he's a doctor means it's betito. He is a Gordon/thomas/apple bay child.
    • @bvislander (03/07/2026, 15:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes, that's him. We both graduated together in 1987 and he's a part of our class group chat.
  • (03/07/2026, 12:23) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bvi people on the rise everywhere
  • Awesome (03/07/2026, 12:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It does not matter where you come from. will and determination, just believe me in yourself. Congratulations
  • name (03/07/2026, 12:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if this is Horatio
    • High schooler (03/07/2026, 17:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No, Horatio is a few years older. Horatio was ahead of me in BVI High and Derek was behind.
  • guy hill (03/07/2026, 13:18) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations Mr. Gordon. Always continue to do and be your very best. Be brave.
  • Slim Jim (03/07/2026, 13:22) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr. Gordon.... its been a long, long time since the boyhood days in Long Look. We attended church together at COGOP, and I remember you well but had no idea you had risen this far. Congratulations, brother and continue to serve God and man (in that order) the best you can. Your family is proud of you.
  • Needed here (03/07/2026, 14:57) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Please evaluate our premier and “leak” a full and truthful report.
  • (03/07/2026, 15:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some time is good to go away
  • Really? (03/07/2026, 17:10) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    When people out there struggling with their children nobody does know them, but when they become successful BVI quick to claim them. When is the last time this man was seen walking the streets in the BVI? Please. This is not news. Good luck to him he got out this corrupt, fake place.
    • Freda (03/07/2026, 17:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      He was here last year my dear. He’s always here walking the streets. It’s okay if you don’t know who you’re looking at but he loves his BVI
    • Yep (03/07/2026, 18:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      My exact thoughts!
  • Freda (03/07/2026, 17:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    My brother daddy would be proud of what you’ve accomplished today! However mom is still alive and well to be able to celebrate ???? with you in this accomplishment! Let me know when’s the party because THIS calls for us to celebrate. Continue to make us proud and shine ✨ bright like a diamond. Your youngest sister
  • Raw and Unfiltered (03/07/2026, 18:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr. Gordon, congratulations on your achievement, promoting to positions of increasing levels of responsibility, blazing a trail. Job well done! Curious. Is he a tenured professor?
  • Congratulations (04/07/2026, 08:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Dr Gordon. This news warms my heart! May God continue to bless you and your endeavors.
  • yeah (05/07/2026, 01:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    While this is a noteworthy accomplishment, we are badly in need of help in every aspect here in the Virgin Islands.
  • guy hill (05/07/2026, 05:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Native Son. Always continue to do and be your very best. Be Brave.
  • AP (09/07/2026, 14:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Blessings to you my brother! God has given you all that it took to have accomplished this great achievement. Put Him first in all that you do. Guidance and protection over your life.


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