Ontario Association of Social Workers names Dr. Peter Donahue recipient of an Inspirational Leader Award
March 2, 2017
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) will make a special presentation at King’s on Friday, March 3rd, at 12:15pm in the Kenny Theatre, recognizing the leadership of Dr. Peter Donahue, B.Sc., B.A., MSW, Ph.D., RSW. A second celebration of his award will be held with the King’s community on Tuesday, March 7th, 2017 at 12:20pm in the Spriet Learning Commons, Student Life Centre.
Dr. Donahue will be given the 2017 Inspirational Leader Award as part of the OASW’s celebrations of Social Work Week in Ontario. The Association has more than 5,000 members.
Dr. Donahue will receive a plaque and a $500 prize award. Dr. Donahue was nominated for the award by Daniel Pugh, BSW, MSW, RSW. Mr. Pugh is the student director on the OASW Board. In his nomination he cites Dr. Donahue for his “creative approach to teaching and learning and acts as an excellent role model for students. Peter has the ability to generate excitement and curiosity about practice, policy and research when mentoring students.”
A recipient of the award is chosen based on:
- Inspiring others through leadership, optimism and innovation
- Practice contributions exemplifying the theme for Social Work Week
- Leadership contributions at a pivotal time for the profession
- Representing a unique or under-represented practice sector
Dr. Donahue has been the Director of the School of Social Work at King’s since 2015 as well as being the Graduate Program Chair and an Associate Professor. He is also the Academic Director, Southwestern Hub, of YouthREX Research and Evaluation eXchange housed at King’s. YouthREX is an important part of the commitment in Ontario’s Youth Action Plan to mobilize research about youth.
Dr. Donahue has been a member of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education’s (CASWE) Commission on Accreditation and he recently completed his term as Anglophone Co-Chair. In 2016 he guided King’s School of Social Work through the accreditation process where the School received the top award of an eight-year accreditation.
Prior to becoming Director at King’s, Dr. Donahue was on faculty at Renison College, University of Waterloo and at the University of Calgary. His research focuses on aging, including: retirement, poverty, homelessness, physical and mental health, internet-based services, gay and lesbian issues, and knowledge exchange for gerontological and geriatric education. He has authored and co-authored numerous chapters, journal articles, presented refereed papers and workshops at over fifty conferences and written numerous research, technical and professional reports.