NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Ruby Pernell (1917 - 2001)

Ruby Pernell completed her graduate work at the Pittsburgh School of Social Work, possibly the same time as Dr. Gisela  
Konopka. Her doctorate degree was from the London School of Economics.

Pernell was on the faculty of the Minnesota School of Social Work for many years, and later joined the faculty of the Case Western Reserve School of Social Work. She held the Grace Longwell Coyle Chair in group work.

Pernell's impact on group work education was significant over the years. However, her great contribution as a pioneer in the field of social work was her leadership in the field of international social work. She was Social Welfare Attache to India for the State Department under Ambassador Chester Bowles, one of only two Social Welfare Attaches in the history of our country. Mary Catherine Jennings (another pioneer) was the second Social Welfare Attache, having served in Brazil. Her interest in the field of international social work has also been with the International Council
on Social Welfare as well as various consultant activities of an international nature.

Pernell served as president of the Minnesota Southern Chapter of the National Association Social Workers.