NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Barbara W. White

Barbara W. White was President of the National Association of Social Workers from July 1, 1991, to June 30, 1992. She was previously vice president and chaired the National Program Committee, the Competence Certification Board and the first National Conference on Minority Issues. Prior to becoming dean of the University of Texas-Austin School of Social Work she was Associate Professor at Florida State University, where she was Director of the Master of Social Work Degree program at the School of Social Work.

She served as the Florida Chapter's president and was named Social Worker of the Year by the Florida Chapter in 1982. In 1988, she was chosen to participate in a Fulbright-sponsored project on Women's Issues in India.  She received the Florida State University's outstanding Teacher Award in 1986, and Professor of the Year by Florida State social work students in 1989.

She has written two books: Color in a White Society and Women in Power and Change, and has served on numerous editorial boards. She holds a doctorate in political science and a master's in social work, both from Florida State University. After moving to the Texas-Austin School of Social Work, she was inducted into the African American Women's Hall of Fame.