NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Ben Avis Orcutt

Dr. Orcutt served the University of Alabama as Professor of Social Work and Director of the Doctoral Program until her retirement in 1983. She also held various positions in clinical social work and voluntary posts in Phoenix, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Tuscaloosa.

Dr. Orcutt has contributed extensively to the advancement social work theory and practice through professional organization, such as CSWE and NASW. She served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Social Work and was active in the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education for which she was The Newsletter editor and 1983 program chairperson.

Dr. Orcutt is well known for her research and publications in the areas of clinical social work, social work and poverty, social work with the dying and their families, and has edited or co-authored Social Work and Thanatology, Poverty and Social Casework Services, and Social Work with the Dying Patient and the Family.

She received her MSW from Tulane University in 1942, and a DSW in 1962 from Columbia University.

Social Work Pioneer - 1993