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SU's Forte Earns NASW Lifetime Achievement Award

James ForteSALISBURY, MD---Dr. James Forte, Salisbury University professor of social work, earned the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maryland chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 

Forte was nominated by SU social work faculty Eileen Gilheany and Drs. Amanda Hill, Sook Hyun Kim and Kimberly van Vulpen for “his lifetime of work and service that embodies all that the NASW and social work profession stands for.” 

The nomination lauded Forte’s nearly 45-year career, 19 at SU, stating that he “exemplifies a life guided by a belief in advocacy” and “has made substantial contributions to the social work field.” 

Forte has authored four books, which have been referred to as “classics” by other experts in the field; published more than 40 articles outlining his research efforts to bring awareness to social work best practices; and presented his work at over 100 conferences and seminars.

He has earned over a dozen honors for his work, including Distinguished Faculty awards at two universities and two Excellence in Teaching awards. He also has been named Social Work Educator of the Year in both Virginia and Maryland.

Forte’s colleagues, practitioners, advisees, students, administrators and community members describe him as “an exceptional teacher, humanitarian and citizen,” according to his nomination.

Learn more about how SU students and faculty are exploring opportunities for greatness and making tomorrow theirs at www.salisbury.edu.