Jul 29, 2009 -- Wurzweiler School of Social Work’s Dr. Sheldon R. Gelman, the Dorothy and David I. Schachne Dean, and Dr. Carmen Ortiz Hendricks, associate dean and professor, have been named “Social Work Pioneers” by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The award recognizes social work professionals for their exemplary leadership, outstanding contributions to the field and recognition by their peers. Both have held leadership positions within the NASW.

Gelman, who also has a master of studies degree in law from Yale University Law School, has published numerous articles dealing with the impact of legislation and policies on the delivery of social services. He has contributed sections to important resources such as The Encyclopedia of Social Work, The Social Workers’ Desk Reference and The Handbook of Human Services Management.

Gelman has held office and served on national commissions of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), including its board and its Commission on Accreditation, and the American Association on Mental Retardation.

Hendricks has made significant contributions to the profession in the area of culturally competent social work education and practice. As a member of NASW’s National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, she was a major contributor to the development of its Standards for Cultural Competence in the Social Work Practice. She is a founding member of the chapter’s Latino Social Work Task Force.

Hendricks has co-written or co-edited a number of seminal books published by CSWE Press, including Learning to Teach—Teaching to Learn: A Guide to Social Work Field Education, Intersecting Child Welfare, Substance Abuse and Family Violence: Culturally Competent Approaches and Women of Color as Social Work Educators: Strengths and Survival.