Debra Gage Hurd, a clinical full professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Arkansas, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The award is presented each year to honor a social worker and association member by recognizing the recipient’s dedication to social work ethics and values and as well as accomplishments demonstrated over the social worker’s career.
Professor Hurd has been a social worker for more than 30 years. Her background in social work includes providing direct services for abused and neglected children and their families, youth at risk for delinquency, senior citizens, and acute care and sub-acute care patients in health care settings.
Dr. Hurd’s academic career began in 1993 at the University of Arkansas School of Social Work as a research assistant. She was promoted to research associate professor in 2004 and to clinical full professor in 2012.
Dr. Hurd holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master of public administration degree, and a Ph.D. in health sciences, all from the University of Arkansas.