Eric Garland Elected to American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare
University of Utah College of Social Work Associate Dean for Research Eric Garland was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW) on January 18, 2019, during the Society for Social Work and Research’s annual conference in San Francisco.
Dr. Garland is one of 21 new AASWSW fellows, selected for his accomplishments as a scholar and practitioner, and nationally recognized for his achievement and advancement of social good in the field of social work. Election of fellows into the Academy is by confidential nomination and confirmation by a super majority of Academy members.
“This is a prestigious honor, which has stringent criteria for selection,” said Martell Teasley, dean of the University of Utah College of Social Work and president of the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work. “This is a well-deserved acknowledgement of Dr. Garland’s exemplary scholarship and deep commitment to advancing the profession. I am very proud to have him representing the University of Utah.”
Dr. Garland is the developer of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), an innovative mind-body therapy designed to address addiction, pain, and stress. His groundbreaking work has received more than $35 million in grant funding, as he continues to investigate the use of MORE and other behavioral therapies for opioid misuse and chronic pain. His research is also expanding the scientific understanding of the brain circuits and psychological processes underlying pain, positive emotions, and addictive behaviors.
“I am delighted to be adding this group to the Academy. It will broaden our expertise for future activities,” said AASWSW President Sarah Gehlert, dean of the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work.
Established in 2010, the AASWSW’s mission is to encourage, recognize, and celebrate outstanding research, scholarship, and practice that contributes to a sustainable and equitable future. It also aims to influence social policy by serving as a source of information for the social work profession, as well as Congress and other governmental and non-government entities.