After more than three decades of teaching, research and service, Dr. Rick Hoefer is closing out his career at The University of Texas at Arlington with a national recognition for his long-standing contributions to social work education.
Hoefer, a professor in the UTA School of Social Work, recently received the 2026 William Holmes McGuffey Longevity Award for his textbook, Advocacy Practice for Social Justice. The award, presented by the Textbook and Academic Authors Association, honors works that have remained in print for at least 15 years and continue to demonstrate lasting impact.
The recognition comes alongside the release of the book’s fifth edition, published in 2026 by Oxford University Press.
“The McGuffey Award is a prestigious honor, indicating that a textbook is an important reference for students over a long period of time,” Hoefer said. “I am thus grateful that the ideas have found a sustained audience.”
Dr. Rick Hoefer, a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, speaks during a retirement ceremony. (Photo by Jaelon Jackson)
Originally developed while teaching advocacy and social policy courses at UTA, the textbook was designed to challenge the notion that advocacy is separate from traditional social work practice. Instead, Hoefer emphasized that advocacy follows the same generalist, problem-solving approach used across the profession.
“When put into this context, advocacy becomes a familiar pattern of actions based on evidence and connection with community members,” he said.
Over time, the book has evolved to reflect changes in the field, including the growing role of digital tools in advocacy, while maintaining its core framework. Hoefer said the text’s adaptability has helped it remain relevant for both students and practitioners.
“A book is a unique way to impact a much larger number of people than one can ever teach directly,” he said. “Graduates can use their advocacy skills to improve policies which improve the lives of entire communities and populations.”
As Hoefer prepares to retire, colleagues say his influence extends far beyond the classroom.
“Dr. Rick Hoefer is unmistakably one of those architects,” said Dr. Eusebius Small, a colleague in the School of Social Work. “His impact has been durable and principled, grounded in a passionate commitment to rigorous, comprehensive social work education.”
Small noted that Hoefer helped shape the School into a place where policy, advocacy and structural analysis are central to its mission.
“He has been one of the most articulate and steadfast advocates for policy, advocacy and systems-level intervention,” Small said. “His expertise in social policy and advocacy is rare, and his presence will be profoundly missed.”
Throughout his career, Hoefer has focused on preparing students to understand and influence the broader systems that shape individual outcomes. He said social workers must look beyond individual cases to address structural challenges.
“Most of the issues that impact our clients are not solvable at the individual level alone,” Hoefer said. “Context matters, and often laws, regulations and policies cause individuals to experience negative situations.”
Reflecting on his career, Hoefer said the most meaningful moments have come from former students who have shared how his teaching influenced their paths.
“Knowing I have changed students’ lives in a positive way is the most satisfying aspect of all,” he said.
As he steps into retirement, Hoefer said he hopes his work will continue to shape future generations of social workers through both his teaching and scholarship.
“In the end, the most important impacts are improvements in lives of vulnerable populations,” he said.