NASW Pioneers Biography Index

Pioneering Contributions

Throughout his career, Dr. Donald Kenneth Granvold pioneered in the field of cognitive treatment methods. In 1976, he developed the first course in Cognitive Intervention Methods in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) where he taught Direct Practice courses from 1975-2013. Dr. Granvold was respected as a visionary in terms of promoting Constructivist Psychotherapy Theory and treatment methods in social work settings with specific focus on depression in adults, couples treatment, divorce, and sexual dissatisfaction.

Over the years, Dr. Granvold was not only an educational leader, he also was a formidable figure in the realm of social work theory, and practice improvement. He presented more than 100 different papers at professional conferences, and his presentations were featured at the NASW Texas Annual Conference for 30 years. Additionally Dr. Granvold was a frequent presenter of continuing education sessions for practitioners throughout the United States and worked as a consultant for more than 30 different agencies. He brought his expertise to the Editorial Boards of Social Work and Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, in addition to writing more than 50 book chapters and journal articles. Dr. Granvold was also the Editor for Cognitive and Behavioral Treatment: Method and Applications.

Career Highlights

In 2013, Dr. Granvold retired after his 40th year of service at the University of Texas at Arlington where he had been a member of the faculty since 1974, and held the positions of Director of Field Placement, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, MSSW Program Director, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Before his time as a faculty member at UTA, Dr. Granvold held several positions with the Iowa Department of Social Services as a Child Welfare Worker and Casework Supervisor. He then went on to serve as Director of Social Services for the Iowa Annie Wittenmyer Home in Davenport, Iowa. When he appeared on the Phil Donahue Show to discuss Social inhibition and Dating Skills, he brought both his personal career and his profession to the national attention. He maintained a part-time private practice from 1975-2013.

Biographical Information

Dr. Granvold was Born August 16, 1943 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies in 1965 from Graceland College in Lamoni Iowa. He then went on to serve in the United States Army before completing his Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa in 1970. Dr. Granvold later graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Social Foundations of Education in 1975 from the University of Iowa. He stated that his philosophy as an educator of future social work professionals was “to prepare students for immediate practice effectiveness but for career long success. I am enthusiastic about my field and seek to ignite my students' passion for serving others skillfully.”  

Significant Achievements and Awards

Dr. Granvold’s dedication and years of service garnered many accolades. He is the only social worker awarded a van Ameringen Foundation Fellowship to study at The Beck Institute with Aaron T. Beck, MD (1998-1999). He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1990 from the University of Iowa School of Social Work. He was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers at the University of Texas at Arlington (2010-2011) and honored with the University of Texas System Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Perhaps the greatest testament to Dr. Granvold’s contribution as an educator was reflected in recognition bestowed upon him by his own students who honored him with the Fernando G. Torgerson Teaching Award.

His credentials were as extensive as they were impressive: Granvold was a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, a member of the NASW, Academy of Certified Social Workers, Tarrant County Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Constructivist Psychology Network, the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy, and a Founding Fellow for the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

Dr. Donald Kenneth Granvold Obituary