M.C. “Terry” Hokenstad is more than a distinguished academic—he’s a global advocate for social welfare and a pioneer in social work education. With a career spanning over four decades, he has left an enduring impact on social work education and research.
As both a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Case Western Reserve University and the Ralph S. and Dorothy P. Schmitt Professor Emeritus at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Hokenstad has made a global impact. From his roots in Nebraska to pivotal roles at Columbia University and Brandeis University, he has dedicated his life to advancing elder care, cross-national social welfare policies and educational leadership.
For his far-reaching impact in the field, he will be honored with one of the university’s most prestigious awards, the 2025 Frank and Dorothy Humel Hovorka Prize, at convocation on Wednesday, May 14.
“As he has expanded the field of social work and transformed the world we live and age in, Dr. Hokenstad embodies exceptional accomplishment in teaching, research and scholarship,” said Mandel School Dean Dexter Voisin. “He is raising the stature of the Mandel School, Case Western Reserve and the social work profession overall with his passion, vision and unflagging commitment to service and learning. I cannot think of someone more deserving of the Hovorka Prize.”
A legacy of leadership in social work
Throughout his career, Hokenstad has held significant leadership roles, including as president of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national accrediting body for schools of social work in the United States. His leadership has even extended to international platforms, where he chaired the International Committee for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and contributed significantly to the United Nations’ efforts on aging, leading research delegations worldwide.
A prolific author, Hokenstad’s publications include nine books and numerous articles, focusing on comparative social welfare and elder care policies. He has been honored with prestigious awards such as NASW’s International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award and CSWE’s Significant Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond his personal academic achievements, Hokenstad’s influence extends through international collaborations and program developments. He served as a visiting professor at universities around the world ranging from Stockholm University in Sweden to Beijing University in China and his dedication to advancing education was evident in his role as the initial director of the School of Social Work at Western Michigan University and later as dean of the Mandel School, where he facilitated innovative graduate and doctoral programs.
His legacy is marked by a passion for enhancing the lives of older adults and advocating for social justice on a global scale.
“Case Western Reserve University was my home base and my first commitment as I traveled the world during my career,” said Hokenstad. “I greatly appreciated the opportunity to take students to the United Nations as well as bring the world to CWRU in my teaching and scholarship. I consider myself very fortunate to have been an active member of Case Western Reserve and the Mandel School for 45 years.”
Learn more about Hokenstad’s illustrious career.
About the award
Established in 1994 by the late Dorothy Humel Hovorka, a leader in the arts and community affairs and an honorary member of the University’s Board of Trustees, the Frank and Dorothy Humel Hovorka Prize honors the late Frank Hovorka, who was a distinguished member of the faculty in the Department of Chemistry for many years.
The prize is awarded annually to an active or emeritus faculty member whose exceptional achievements in teaching, research and scholarly service have benefited the community, the nation and the world. The recipient is selected on the recommendation of a committee consisting of previous awardees.