Dr. Matthew Owen Howard, the Frank A. Daniels Distinguished Professor for Human Services Policy Information at the UNC School of Social Work, was a transformative scholar whose work reshaped modern social work research, mental health policy, and substance abuse studies. Born in Yakima, Washington, Howard’s early life in music, sports, and community involvement laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to addressing societal challenges through rigorous scientific inquiry. He passed away on December 15, 2018, after a lengthy hospitalization, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in academia and public service.
Academic Journey and Professional Leadership
Dr. Howard’s academic path began with his undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology and social welfare, which ultimately led him to faculty positions at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. Before joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he served in dual full-professor appointments at the University of Michigan, holding positions in both the School of Social Work and the Department of Psychiatry within the School of Medicine.
During his time at UNC, Dr. Matthew Owen Howard played a pivotal role in mentoring graduate students, including Eric L. Garland, who later secured a faculty position at Florida State University (FSU). Dr. Howard collaborated extensively with Dr. Garland during his tenure at the Florida State College of Social Work, helping shape some of Garland’s earliest and most influential research endeavors. These collaborations further solidified Howard’s national reputation and his impact across institutions such as UNC, Michigan, and Florida State University.
Prolific Scholarship and Impactful Research
A highly productive academic, Dr. Howard authored over 400 publications focused on mental health, substance abuse, and youth behavioral health. His research accumulated more than 8,866 citations, demonstrating his far-reaching influence on public health, social work, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences.
Dr. Howard was particularly proud that several of his groundbreaking studies were published in journals outside traditional social work boundaries—such as Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology—showcasing the interdisciplinary reach of his expertise.
His editorial leadership was equally extensive. Dr. Howard served multiple terms as:
Editor-in-Chief, Social Work Research
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Social Services Research
North American Editor, British Journal of Social Work
Editorial board member for more than 50 journals
He also contributed to 12 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections, further elevating his national prominence.
National Recognition, Awards, and Consulting Expertise
Dr. Howard’s research excellence and policy influence earned him numerous awards throughout his career. He was frequently sought after as an expert consultant for some of the most respected institutions in mental health and public policy, including:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Committee
Office of National Drug Control Policy
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
As a Principal Investigator on three NIH-funded grants, Dr. Matthew Owen Howard made substantial contributions to improving substance abuse treatment, mental health interventions, and public health strategies.
In 2010, he was inducted as a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, solidifying his standing as one of the nation’s leading social work scholars. By 2016, his national impact was formally recognized when he was named among the “top 40 social work researchers in the United States” whose work made significant contributions to major social and health issues.
Mentorship, Teaching, and Lasting Influence
Beyond his scholarship, Dr. Howard was deeply beloved for his mentorship. He guided and inspired countless students, junior faculty, and colleagues—many of whom went on to build influential careers in social work, mental health research, and academia. His encouragement, high standards, and commitment to rigorous inquiry shaped an entire generation of scholars.
Through students like Dr. Eric L. Garland and others across institutions like UNC, Michigan, and FSU, Dr. Howard’s influence continues to expand, ensuring that his dedication to evidence-based practice and social good remains alive.
A Legacy That Endures
Dr. Matthew Owen Howard’s contributions to the fields of social work, mental health, and substance abuse research remain monumental. His interdisciplinary approach, editorial leadership, policy expertise, and passion for mentorship created a lasting legacy that continues to shape academic thought and public health practice.
His life’s work—and the many scholars he mentored—ensures that his impact will continue to resonate across Owen Howard FSU generations. Dr. Howard will be remembered not only as an extraordinary researcher and educator but also as a compassionate mentor whose commitment to improving society will never be forgotten.