Susan P. Robbins, the Cele S. and Samuel D. Keeper Endowed Professor in Social Justice and former Associate Dean for Doctoral Education at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, has been named an NASW Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation.

Dr. Robbins has been recognized for her leadership and scholarship through her appointments to the Executive Board of the American Board of Forensic Social Workers, the American College of Forensic Examiners, and several editorial boards of leading journals. Her consultation and training for Children’s Protective Services in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma led to numerous invited conference presentations nationally, regionally, and locally.

Nationally known for her scholarship focused on critical analysis and socially constructed power, Dr. Robbins has applied these perspectives to human behavior theories, practice methods, pedagogical issues in social work education, and epistemological methodologies. She is renowned for her authored textbook Comparative Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work Practice and for critically examining the nowdiscredited recovered memory movement. As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Social Work Education (2013-2016), her editorials received widespread acclaim and high readership.

Dr. Robbins’ accolades include the National Faculty Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Distance Education (University Continuing Education Association, 1998); the Outstanding Faculty Award (University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, 1988, 1993, and 2005); the Sol Gothard Lifetime Achievement Award (National Organization of Forensic Social Work, 2016); and the Hamline University Alumni Award for Making the World a Better Place (2019). She will also receive Tulane University School of Social Work’s 1914 Distinguished Alumni Award in Academia and Research in November 2024.

“Being named an NASW Social Work Pioneer is perhaps one of the greatest honors of my career,” Robbins said. “As an NASW member for over 45 years, this recognition from our esteemed social work organization is an exciting capstone to my career. The work that NASW does to promote professional growth, effectiveness, and standards for social work practice, improve conditions for our clients, and promote sound policies is central to our work as social workers.” The award will be conferred on October 19th in Washington D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

---

ABOUT THE NASW SOCIAL WORK PIONEERS PROGRAM

The NASW Social Work Pioneers® program honors members of the social work profession who have contributed to the evolution and enrichment of the profession. The program identifies and recognizes individuals whose dedication, commitment, and determination have improved social and human conditions. Since its launch in 1994, the program has inducted more than 900 individuals.