Diana DiNitto, Ph.D., ACSW, LCSW, AADC, is among the newest cohort of social workers to be recognized as a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF). DiNitto, who serves as a Distinguished Teaching Professor and the Cullen Trust Centennial Professor in Alcohol Studies and Education, is one of 25 social workers who will be honored in this year’s class. The program, founded in 1994, recognizes the “select few chosen to join the ranks of social workers who have explored new territories and built outposts for human services.”
She is the 17th overall Social Work Pioneer with ties to Texas Social Work and 20th overall with ties to The University of Texas. She joins social work luminaries such as Barbara White, the former Dean of Texas Social Work (1993-2011); Cynthia Franklin, the Stiernberg/Spencer Family Professor in Mental Health; and Ruth McCoy, Ruby Lee Piester Centennial Professor Emeritus in Services to Children and Families.
“Diana DiNitto is synonymous with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, just as she is when it she comes to leadership and excellence in social work research and education,” said Allan Cole, Dean of Texas Social Work. “For nearly four decades, Dr. DiNitto has made invaluable contributions to our school by championing behavioral health initiatives, public policy, and research in the area of substance use disorders. She is an exemplary social worker and researcher, and an extraordinary teacher and mentor to many, including to me.”
DiNitto was honored with the award during the 18th Annual Social Work Pioneer Program and Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The honor is the latest for Dr. DiNitto, who most recently received an honorary doctorate from Tallinn University (Estonia) for her contributions to social work doctoral education and was named Best Reviewer of 2023 for the Journal of Social Work Education (JSWE). She is also the namesake of the DiNitto Career Center, which is dedicated to offering accessible and comprehensive guidance for our students and alumni at every stage of their career journeys.
As a social worker and NASW member for five decades, it is a great honor to be named a NASW Social Work Pioneer. I am so appreciative of this recognition, but what is most important is that our work continues to be critical to the well-being of society,” said DiNitto. “We are called to serve and advocate for individuals, families, and communities and to be changemakers on a broad scale by influencing policy and administering programs that address society’s most significant challenges. I am honored to be among the incredible social workers who do this work each and every day, and I am excited to continue working to improve lives.”
In addition to her accomplishments in the academy and practice of social work, DiNitto’s character is repeatedly lauded by her colleagues, students, and peers.
“She is even more stellar at being a model colleague and human, and she is one of the most deserving persons to be named as a NASW Pioneer,” said Cole. “Her colleagues at The University of Texas at Austin and well beyond celebrate her exceptional contributions to social work research, policy, practice, education, and leadership.”