Each year the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) names new “Social Work Pioneers.” Those who have made important contribution to the social work profession, and to social policies through service, teaching, writing, research, program development, administration, or legislation. School alum Lann Thompson has been a leader in the social work profession in the field of child welfare, developmental disabilities, and maternal health throughout his career, spanning nearly five decades. Both as a practitioner and social work faculty member at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Lann used his clinical, research and macro skills to pioneer programs and methods to help medically fragile children and those with special needs at a time when this highly specialized area was much less known. Proud of his Native American (Eastern Band Cherokee) heritage, Lann has been involved in Native organizations and events most of his life. Find more about Lann at https://www.naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/NASW-Social-Work-Pioneers