NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Laurin Hyde (1908 - 1991)

Laurin Hyde, a native of North Dakota, received his MA in Social Service from the University of Chicago in 1935, and was on the faculty of the University from 1934 to 1936, supervising students in the field work in family casework. He had previously spent two years as a social worker on the staff of the Chicago Service Bureau for Men.

Mr. Hyde was general director of the National Travelers Aid Association from 1953-1958. For three years prior to working for the Travelers Aid Association, he was an associate professor at the New York School of Social Work, Columbia University. He taught social agency administration as well as government and social welfare.

Mr. Hyde also served as national treasurer of the American Association of Social Workers and was chairman of the New York City Chapter of that organization.

Charlotte Towle, Laurin Hyde, and Wilma Walker

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the United Service Organizations (USO), of United Community Defense Services and of the American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service. He also served on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of Social Work. Other national responsibilities carried by Mr. Hyde are memberships on the National Budget Committee and on the Advisory Committee on Health and Welfare Planning of United Community Funds and Councils of America.