UA Alumni among Social Work Hall of Fame Honorees

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama School of Social Work will induct three new members into its Hall of Fame Oct. 2.

The School will host the ceremony at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa. The ceremony and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. Cost of admission is $25.

Founded by the Social Work Society at The University of Alabama School of Social Work, the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame honors the accomplishments of some of the state’s most distinguished leaders in the field of social work.

The Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame honors social workers in the areas of education/research and practice/administration, retired or deceased, who are acclaimed by their peers and colleagues for their professional status and exemplary leadership, creativity, contribution to the knowledge base and practice of social work, and influence in the life of the community.

The 2015 inductees are:

John M. Houston

Houston is a lifelong resident of Alabama with a nearly 40-year career in the human services field. He received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and two master’s degrees, including his Master of Social Work, from The University of Alabama.

Houston served as commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health from 2005-2011. He has been a long time leader in advocacy for children’s services. He was active in the drafting and passage of state legislation promoting early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and also for interagency collaborative services for multiple needs children.

He continues to work as an advocate for children, serving as the chairperson of Alabama Children First. 

Dr. Edith C. Fraser

Fraser is a retired professor from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville. Prior, she served at Oakwood College/University, from 1985 to 2009, as the director of field instruction and chair of the social work department. While at Oakwood, she had a dual-appointment as professor in the school’s social work department and as director of faculty development and research.

Fraser has been a Fulbright Scholar to Egypt, China, Thailand, Myanmar and the Republic of Georgia. She has also visited both South Africa and Tanzania on mission trips.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Fraser received her bachelor of arts from the University of Louisville (1970), her Master of Social Work from Boston University (1972) and doctorate from Smith College School for Social Work (1994).

As a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and a licensed certified social worker, she has presented nationally and internationally on topics focusing on victims of crime, victims of domestic violence, child abuse and/or neglect, homeless populations, AIDS sufferers, women in poverty and minority populations.

Harriett Ivory Means

Means was born in Detroit, Michigan. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wayne State University. Her doctorate was completed at The University of Alabama School of Social Work in 2003.

Means began social work practice in 1968 and retired in 2012 from Troy University as an associate professor of social work. She is married to Elbert Means, and, together, they have three children and four grandchildren.