The University of Alabama Social Work Society recently held its State of Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame 2011 induction ceremony to honor social workers who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their field.

Four inductees — including retired Dallas County Department of Human Resources director James E. Ware, were honored during a luncheon held in Montgomery on Sept. 16.

Ware, who served as a dedicated social worker for 39 years, spent 25 years with DHR, encouraging his staff to use innovation and to meet clients’ needs.

Ware called his induction a “great honor.”

“It’s a great feeling,” Ware said. “It’s a profession that I have enjoyed working in for almost 40 years … to be honored in such a way, you realize you’re so blessed to be honored by your peers.”

Held every year, the hall of fame honors social workers, retired or deceased, in the areas of education and research, practice and administration who are acclaimed by their peers and colleagues for their professional status and exemplary leadership, creativity, contribution to the knowledge base and practice of social work, and influence in the life of the community.

UA School of Social Work dean Lucinda Roff said nominees were members of the Social Work Society and were picked by the hall of fame committee based on specific qualifications.

“The hall of fame are for those … in the state of Alabama in their distinguished careers who brought honor on self and the area of social work,” Roff said. “Ware exemplifies that, he started at an entry-level position and worked his way up in administration.”

Ware said representing Dallas County in the hall of fame speaks volumes about the work DHR has done over the years.

“Social work is a caring profession, we’re there to help people to help themselves,” Ware said. “We do it in a respectful, courteous and professional manner with compassion for the people we serve.”

Other inductees included Dr. Susan G. Barfoot of Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System, Dr. Raymond O. Sumrall, professor emeritus in the UA School of Social Work and Dr. Shelley Wyckoff of Alabama A&M University.

Ware received his bachelor’s from Alabama A&M College in 1968 and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee in 1976. Presented with the “Shining Star Award” by DHR commissioner Tony Petelos in 1999, Ware has served in many leadership positions throughout the state and has participated in many certification programs throughout the country.