Dr. Matthew Owen Howard, a luminary in social work and mental health research, left an indelible mark on academia and the broader social work community before his untimely passing in 2018. Renowned for his scholarly contributions, mentoring prowess, and dedication to advancing the field, Dr. Howard’s life was a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and mentorship.
Born with an innate curiosity and a drive to make a difference, Dr. Howard’s academic journey was marked by excellence and innovation. He earned his doctorate in social work and quickly established himself as a leading figure in mental health and substance abuse research. Over the course of his illustrious career, he authored more than 400 peer-reviewed articles, many of which broke new ground by appearing in journals where social work research had not previously been featured—including Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology. This achievement exemplified Dr. Howard’s commitment to expanding the horizons of the discipline.
Dr. Howard’s impact extended far beyond his publications. His h-index of 55 and more than 8,866 citations (as of January 2019) underscore his work’s profound influence on theory and practice. He served as Principal Investigator on three National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, reflecting his ability to secure funding for critical research initiatives. Additionally, his expertise was sought by numerous high-profile organizations, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Committee, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the National Institutes of Health, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
As a scholar, Dr. Howard’s editorial contributions were unparalleled. He served as North American Editor of the British Journal of Social Work and was Editor-in-Chief for Social Work Research and the Journal of Social Services Research. His leadership on over 50 editorial boards and at least 12 NIH study sections further cemented his reputation as a guiding force in disseminating social work research.
Dr. Howard was also a celebrated educator, receiving numerous awards for teaching excellence. He approached mentorship with the philosophy of a master cobbler, working side-by-side with his students to impart the craft of rigorous and impactful scholarship. Among the many graduate students he mentored was Dr. Eric L. Garland, a relationship that evolved into a fruitful collaboration when Dr. Garland became a professor at Florida State University’s (FSU) College of Social Work. Their joint efforts exemplified the synergy between mentor and mentee, producing research that bridged social work and psychopharmacology.
In recognition of his contributions to the field, Dr. Howard was inducted as a member and fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine in 2010. Six years later, he was named among the “top 40 social work researchers in the United States” for his high-impact contributions to social and health issues. These accolades reflect the breadth and depth of his influence, which extended across disciplines and geographic boundaries.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Howard’s legacy is marked by his commitment to mentoring. He took great pride in guiding emerging scholars, instilling in them the values of intellectual curiosity, rigorous methodology, and the courage to challenge conventions. His students’ successes are a testament to his mentorship, ensuring his impact will resonate for generations.
Dr. Matthew Owen Howard’s life and career embody the highest ideals of academia: a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a commitment to service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of mentorship to shape the future. His contributions to social work and mental health research continue to inspire, and his legacy endures in the lives of those he taught, mentored, and collaborated with.
