News Release

April 12, 2007

Boise State Professor Named Social Worker of the Year

William Whitaker, professor of social work at BSU.

William Whitaker, a professor of social work at Boise State University, has been named Idaho’s Social Worker of the Year by the Idaho chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. His name will now be forwarded to the national organization for consideration for the national award. Roy “Butch” Rodenhiser, director of the School of Social Work, describes Whitaker as “a true social worker who works tirelessly advocating for human rights and the dignity of all people.”

Whitaker came to Boise State in 2002 as the coordinator of the master of social work program and in 2005 was honored with the Faculty Award for Service by the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs. During his more than 40 years as a social worker, he has been involved in a variety of community and university programs, including serving two elected terms on the board of the Council on Social Work Education and a two-year term on Boise State’s Faculty Senate. He is also a consulting editor for two professional journals, the Journal of Community Practice and Social Development Issues.

As president of United Vision for Idaho, Whitaker has helped initiate and implement New Voices, New Vision, a statewide effort to develop a progressive agenda for Idaho for the next 15 years. One agenda issue is universal health insurance for Idaho. As part of this, Whitaker has supported the development of Idaho Health Care for All, the rejuvenated chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program. In May, he will complete his two-year term as IHCFA co-chair. Whitaker also is an organizer and convener of the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger.

Whitaker is the third Boise State faculty member to win this award. Kathy Tidwell, director of the Child Welfare Center, was honored in 2005 and Doug Yunker, now retired, was honored in 2003.

The National Association of Social Workers is an organization of professional social workers focused on enhancing the professional growth and development of its members, creating and maintaining professional standards, and advancing sound social policies.

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Contact: Roy Rodenhiser, School of Social Work, (208) 426-1789, royrodenhiser@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu

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Last reviewed on Tuesday, May 01, 2007