Baylor Social Work Professor Ranked in List of 'Most Influential Social Workers Alive Today'

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Media contact: Eric M. Eckert, (254) 710-1964
WACO, Texas (Nov. 7, 2014) – Preston Dyer, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus in Baylor University's School of Social Work, has been ranked No. 1 on the list of "The 30 Most Influential Social Workers Alive Today," compiled by Social Work Degree Guide.
"We know Dr. Dyer is an outstanding leader in our profession, and to have another organization recognize him in this way is confirmation," said Diana Garland, Ph.D., professor and dean of the School of Social Work. "His fingerprints are all over this school. The collegial, supportive community we enjoy here developed out of his fiercely egalitarian and community spirit."
The list of prominent social workers was compiled based on merit, scholastic study and political activism.
"Dr. Dyer is a pioneer," Garland said. "I have personally experienced his advocacy for the equality of women both within families and in societal leadership during a time that some would deny those opportunities."
Dyer joined Baylor University in 1969 and served as director of the undergraduate program for three decades. Prior to working at Baylor, he worked as a clinical social worker for mental health. His research has focused on marriages and families, with publications in more than 100 academic and scholarly journals. Dyer is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and sits on the board of PREPARE/ENRICH, a relationship inventory and skill-building program.
by Kristen Bennett, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
ABOUT THE BAYLOR SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

The Baylor University School of Social Work is home to one of the leading graduate social work programs in the nation with a research agenda focused on the integration of faith and practice. Upholding its mission of preparing social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership, the School offers a baccalaureate degree (BSW), a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and three joint-degree options (MSW/Master of Business Administration, MSW/Master of Divinity and MSW/Master of Theological Studies) through a partnership with Baylor's Hankamer School of Business and George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Visit www.baylor.edu/social_work to learn more.