NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Lewis W. Carr

Dr. Carr pioneered social work research in the Veterans Administration (VA). He was the first doctoral research worker employed by the VA. He served 1961-63 at the VA Hospital in Houston, Texas, with a joint appointment as assistant professor, College of Medicine Baylor University. In 1963, he became Director, Social Work Research, VA Central Office where he initiated and directed a system-wide program of social work research.

His career led to the academic halls of the School of Social Work, Howard University, where he served as Chairman, Research Area (1966-70), from 1985-71, Director of the School’s doctoral program.

During this period, Dr. Carr was Adjunct Professor, American University, College of Continuing Education: Graduate Examiner National Graduate University and Doctoral Dissertation Chairman, School of Government and Public Administration, American University.

Between 1970-91, Dr. Carr was a Visiting Professor in social work research, and advisor to the doctoral program at the School of Social Work, Catholic University of America.

During his career, Dr. Carr had 13 articles published in professional journals. He was the first chairman of NASW’s Competence Certification Board and was a member of NASW’s Committee for the Development and Assessment of Competence for 8 years.

Dr. Carr received his MSW in 1957, and his DSW in 1961, from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

Social Work Pioneer - 1997