February 10, 2020

Charles Emlet, professor of social work at UW Tacoma, was selected a fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. He was one of 19 fellows inducted into the academy in Washington, D.C., in January.

Emlet’s research focuses on vulnerable populations among older adults, with a focus on older adults living with HIV and those who identify as sexual and gender minorities. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, John A. Hartford Foundation, University of Washington, Canadian government and U.S. Fulbright Commission. He is currently a co-investigator on the Aging with Pride research project led by School of Social Work Professor Karen Fredriksen Goldsen and the Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action study.

"I am thrilled that Dr. Emlet has been selected to join social work’s highest honorific society," said Ballmer Endowed Dean in Social Work Eddie Uehara. "As one of the nation’s preeminent scholars on vulnerable populations of older adults, this recognition is extremely well-earned. Charley has had a tremendous influence on the fields of gerontology, HIV/AIDs research, and social welfare—and it is gratifying that the Academy has recognized his many contributions."

Emlet has been on the faculty at UW Tacoma since 1999. He is also an adjunct professor with UW School of Social Work in Seattle and affiliate faculty with the UW Center for AIDS Research and the UW Healthy Generations Hartford Center of Excellence. From 2001-2003, he was a Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar and was appointed a Hartford National Research Mentor twice. 

A fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, he has published more than 80 journal articles and book chapters and serves on the editorial boards of The Gerontologist and the Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services.  

Emlet has received many awards throughout his career. In 2016, he received the UW Tacoma Distinguished Community Engagement Award for his work to help make Puyallup, Wash., more age-friendly, and in 2004, he received the Distinguished Research Award, also from UW Tacoma. In 2013, he was named a Fulbright scholar and visiting research chair at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

Emlet received a PhD in social welfare from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, and an MSW from California State University, Fresno. Before joining UW Tacoma , he worked in direct practice and administration with Solano County Health and Social Services in California.

Fellows inducted into AASWSW are selected through a rigorous process that addresses excellence in scholarship and practice. Known for their groundbreaking work in integrating scientific methods and social work practice and policy, these social work leaders serve as valuable resources for the profession.