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NASW Pioneers Biography Index


The National Association of Social Workers Foundation is pleased to present the NASW Social Work Pioneers®. NASW Pioneers are social workers who have explored new territories and built outposts for human services on many frontiers. Some are well known, while others are less famous outside their immediate colleagues, and the region where they live and work. But each one has made an important contribution to the social work profession, and to social policies through service, teaching, writing, research, program development, administration, or legislation.

The NASW Pioneers have paved the way for thousands of other social workers to contribute to the betterment of the human condition; and they are are role models for future generations of social workers. The NASW Foundation has made every effort to provide accurate Pioneer biographies.  Please contact us at naswfoundation@socialworkers.org to provide missing information, or to correct inaccurate information. It is very important to us to correctly tell these important stories and preserve our history.  

Please note, an asterisk attached to a name reflects Pioneers who have passed away. All NASW Social Work Pioneers® Bios are Copyright © 2021 National Association of Social Workers Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

    
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Ernest Witte Photo
Ernest F. Witte* (1904-1986)

Ernest F. Witte is best known for his leadership in social work education. He spend most of his working life in schools of social work, and his most outstanding work was the establishment of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In addition, he established schools of social work in Nebraska; California State University in Fresno, Sacramento, and San Diego; as well as the School of Social Work in Trondheim, Norway. Born in Swanton, Nebraska, Witte received his Bachelor's Degree in 1925 in Nebraska and his Doctorate Degree from the University of Chicago in 1932.

Witte started working in relief and public welfare programs in the early 1930s. He was the first Field Representative of the Social Security Board in Chicago. Witte was recognized for his work during World War II, during which he directed aid to displaced people and refugees in allied-occupied Italy and Germany. Witte also directed care for survivors of concentration camps. He received many honors and awards and his papers are available in the Minnesota state archives.




Newly Inducted NASW Social Work Pioneer Hortense McClinton 2015

Nominate A New NASW Pioneer

Please note, Pioneer nominations made between today’s date through March 31, 2023, will not be reviewed until spring 2023.

Completed NASW Pioneer nominations can be submitted throughout the year and are reviewed at the June Pioneer Steering Committee Meeting. To be considered at the June meeting, submit your nomination package by March 31. To learn more, visit our Pioneer nomination guidelines.


New Pioneers 

Congratulations newly elected Pioneers!  Pioneers will be inducted at the 2024  Annual Program and Luncheon. Full biographies and event details coming soon.


2024