The Ohio State University, College of Social Work, Alumni Hall of Fame

Distinguished Career Award Winners
Awarded to College of Social Work alumni for exceptional professional achievements, initiatives,  or leadership in one or more of the following areas: practice/clinical excellence, community development, advocacy, education, or administration.

Dr. Denise A. Goodman, PhD '93

Denise A. Goodman, PhD ’93, has been a child welfare professional for over 35 years. She began her career working with emotionally disturbed teens in a residential treatment facility and has held positions such as a protective services social worker, residential treatment coordinator, research/education specialist, training specialist, and foster parent in Ohio. In addition, as an independent consultant, Dr. Goodman conducts workshops and provides consultation throughout the United States and Canada on topics related to foster care, adoption, and kinship care. She has written many curricula for staff and resource parents, co-authored a section of The Field Guide to Child Welfare, and published numerous articles and tools on foster care/adoption issues. Dr. Goodman has been a senior consultant for the Annie E. Casey Foundation since 1992. She has received several awards for her training from the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program.

James N. Miller, MSW '55

James N. Miller, MSW ’55, has 57 years of active practice and still counting. Mr. Miller is currently the administrator of the Beej Business. He was the president of Family Services of Central Indiana for 20 years. He opened a consultation practice in 1993 following his retirement from family service. Mr. Miller fulfilled 10 temporary executive assignments in nonprofit organizations in transition. He has been published in newsletters and journals and has also taught part time at several universities including Indiana University, Purdue University at Indianapolis, Marian College, Butler University, Lincoln Land Community College, and Hope College. Amongst Mr. Miller’s awards and achievements, he was named “Sagamore of the Wabash” by the Governor of Indiana in 1993, received the Governor’s Voluntary Action Program Community Service Award in 1980, and was awarded the United Way of Central Indiana Leadership Award in 1980.

Dr. Joseph R. Palmer, PhD '70, BSSW '56

Joseph R. Palmer, PhD ’70 and BSSW ’56, is the owner of Mediation Services of Ohio, where he continues to practice. Dr. Palmer served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and later was in the U.S.  Airforce Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dr. Palmer has been a former parole officer, director, deputy director, and administrator. He has had position appointments from Governors  and U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese. Dr. Palmer was a member of the Ohio Parole Board, a chairman for the Ohio Parole Board, a fellow for the National Institute of Corrections, and President of the National Academy of Corrections.

Dr. Glenn E. Rohrer, MSW '73, BSSW '66

Glenn E. Rohrer, MSW ’73 and BSSW ’66, is a professor (tenured) and recently served as director of the School of Justice Studies and Social Work at the University of West Florida. He is currently serving as professor and executive director of the Florida Mental and Behavioral Health Capacity Project. In June 2012, Dr. Rohrer was honored by being selected to receive a five-year $5 million grant from the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Incident court settlement. He has held university appointments at East Carolina University, University of South Florida, Florida State University, Florida Southern College, Franklin University, and The Ohio State University. Dr. Rohrer was also a former social worker in corrections, a deputy superintendent for a youth center, and a psychiatric hospital superintendent. He has been published in many journals and books and has presented at several national conferences. Dr. Rohrer was admitted to the University of West Florida Million Dollar Research Hall of Fame in April 2011. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and is a licensed clinical addictions specialist and a licensed clinical social worker.

Distinguished Recent Alumnus/a Award Winner
Awarded to an alumnus/a who graduated from the College of Social Work within the past ten years whose accomplishments exemplify outstanding professional achievements, initiatives,  or leadership in one or more of the following areas: practice/clinical excellence, community development, advocacy, education, or administration.  Only one award may be presented annually.

Angela K. Stoller-Zervas, MSW '05

Angela K. Stoller-Zervas, MSW ’05, is the supportive services manager for Community Properties of Ohio, where she develops and manages programs for resource residents living in project-based Section 8 housing in Columbus’ central city neighborhoods. Ms. Stoller-Zervas volunteered to develop the Housing Assistance Task Force in collaboration with the Community Shelter Board and the College of Social Work. The task force oriented volunteer alumni, students, faculty, and staff in a process to quickly house Hurricane Katrina Evacuees in 2005. Ms. Stoller-Zervas has held positions such as assistant director, school stability coordinator, volunteer consultant, graduate research assistant, advocate, case manager, therapist, and home-based specialist. She is a licensed social worker in the State of Ohio.