Owen Howard (July 21, 1956 – December 15, 2018) was a highly respected academic whose career left a lasting mark on social work, human services policy, and the study of substance use disorders. Known widely in the academic community, Owen Howard held the prestigious Frank A. Daniels Distinguished Professorship for Human Services Policy Information in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also served as the Associate Dean for Doctoral Education, shaping the direction of future researchers and practitioners in the field.
Throughout his career, Howard became recognized internationally as an authority on substance use disorders, with particular expertise in inhalant abuse, inert gas asphyxiation, and alcohol dependence among youth. His groundbreaking work and dedication to research earned him recognition as one of the leading figures in advancing social good through scholarship.
Academic Contributions and Recognition
Owen Howard authored nearly 400 publications, including more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, editorials, book reviews, abstracts, and government reports. His contributions provided valuable insight into both clinical practice and policy development, making him a go-to reference in the field.
In 2010, he was inducted as a member and fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, acknowledging his lasting influence on social and health research. Later, in 2016, he was named among the “top 40 social work researchers in the United States” who had made a high impact on critical social and health issues.
Howard’s dedication to academic excellence also extended into editorial work. Over the years, he served on the editorial boards of nearly 60 scholarly journals. His leadership roles included:
Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Addictive Diseases
Editor of Social Work Research, the flagship journal of the National Association of Social Workers
North American Editor for the British Journal of Social Work
Associate Editor of the Journal of Social Services Research
These appointments demonstrated both the trust and admiration he had earned from the scholarly community.
Fellowships and Honors
Beyond his journal contributions, Owen Howard was recognized as a fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research and the American Academy of Social Work and Welfare. The latter is an honorific society dedicated to excellence in advancing social welfare and social work practice. His membership reflected the respect he commanded among his peers as a thought leader and scholar.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Yakima, Washington, Howard was active in both music and athletics during his youth. He played the trombone in his high school marching band and participated in football and baseball. This balance of arts and sports reflected the versatility he carried throughout his life.
Howard pursued higher education at Western Washington University, where he earned a B.S. and M.S. in psychology. He later advanced his studies at the University of Washington, receiving both Owen Howard State University a master’s degree in social work and a Ph.D. in social welfare. His academic journey set the foundation for his impactful career in research and teaching.
Teaching and Academic Career
Before reaching the height of his career at UNC-Chapel Hill, Owen Howard taught at the University of Washington. He later joined Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work in St. Louis as an assistant professor and later associate professor.
His reputation grew further when he became a full professor at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, holding dual appointments in both the School of Social Work and the Department of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine. Eventually, he joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he continued to lead in research and teaching.
Howard’s teaching excellence was recognized with multiple awards, including the University of North Carolina’s 2014 Distinguished Teaching Award for Post-Baccalaureate Instruction.
Legacy and Connection to Florida
While much of Owen Howard’s career was connected to North Carolina and Michigan, his influence also extended further. References to Owen Howard Florida State University and Owen Howard Florida appear in academic circles as students and professionals continue to cite his work and its far-reaching impact. His contributions influenced institutions nationwide, making his legacy recognizable beyond one state or university system. Today, searches for Owen Howard Florida State often lead to discussions of his scholarly influence and his contributions to substance use disorder research.
Conclusion
Owen Howard’s career stands as a testament to the impact a dedicated scholar can have on academia, clinical practice, and society at large. His expertise in substance use disorders, commitment to mentoring students, and editorial leadership have left an indelible mark on the field of social work.
From his early days in Yakima to his distinguished role as a professor, Howard’s journey reflects a life of achievement, service, and inspiration. Whether remembered as Owen Howard the researcher, teacher, or editor, his work continues to shape discussions in universities and professional practice across the United States, including at places such as Owen Howard Florida State University and other academic institutions that honor his influence.