International Practice Research Symposium

William J. Reid

Distinguished Professor of Social Welfare,
University at Albany, State University of New York

November 14, 1928-November 17, 2003

With the unexpected death of William J. Reid, the world lost one of its most prominent and productive scholars of social welfare. A true scientist of human problem solving, his work and its impact on the theory and practice of social work around the world has been described as “pioneering and ground-breaking.”

For 35 years, his work shaped the agenda for research on social work services. His “Task Centered Practice” model is widely used as the basis for delivering and managing social work services around the world. Professor Reid authored over 20 books and 160 scientific journal articles and book chapters. He was the founding editor of Social Work Research, the first journal of social work devoted to advancing the scientific knowledge base of the field, and a member of many other editorial boards. He was the principal architect of the University at Albany doctoral program in social welfare, which he chaired since 1985, and which has been recognized as one of the top programs in the country. His students hold major appointments in academic institutions and service agencies in many countries.

William J. Reid received his baccalaureate and masters of social work degrees from the University of Michigan in 1950 and 1952. He was awarded the Doctor of Social Welfare degree from Columbia University in 1963. Beginning his career as a psychiatric social work in the U.S. Army, he went on to academic posts at Columbia University, the University of Chicago and the University at Albany. He was awarded every major research prize in social work including the George Herbert Jones Professorship at the University of Chicago, the Award for Excellence in Research from the National Association of Social Workers and the Distinguished Achievement Award of the Society for Social Work and Research. When he was named a Distinguished Professor of the State University of New York, Chancellor Ryan quoted from one of Reid’s nomination letters, “It is no exaggeration that there would be few social workers in the world who would not know of and respect Reid’s work. There are few persons in our field of whom this can be said.”

William J. Reid was a devoted husband and father, a delighted grandfather and a friend and colleague to many. He lived life to its fullest at every moment. Bill was an avid athlete, sports fan, birdwatcher and bridge player. He was an admirer of the arts, nature and of humankind. Those he left behind will miss his intellectual curiosity, his erudition, his subtle humor, and the caring that he showed to so many people in so many ways.

A virtual memorial exhibit of Bill Reid has been developed by Jane Kessler, librarian at the University at Albany.

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