NASW Board of Directors
Director-at-Large

Barbara W. Shank, PhD, MSW, LICSW

Barbara W. Shank, Dean and Professor Emerita, earned an MSW and PhD from the University of Minnesota. For more than 40 years she has engaged in social work education. Under Shank’s leadership, the school grew from 50 to 600 students; from 4 to 34 full-time faculty, and programs increased from one to five offering five professional development institutes. In 2014, the school launched an online DSW program, Education as Practice. Shank consults on BSW and MSW program development and reaffirmation.

She served as NASW MN Chapter President and Secretary; on the National Delegate Assembly Planning Committee; and chaired the National PRN, holding membership since 1973.She served as BPD Conference Chair; CSWE Board Chair and Treasurer; NADD President and Treasurer; and ICSD President. She is an Accreditation Site Visitor and Secretary of IASSW. Shank was named NASW MN Social Worker of the Year (1993), Social Work Pioneer (2016) and received a NASW-MN Lifetime Achievement Award (2019).