C.J. Cornelius Joseph Collins

C.J. Cornelius Joseph Collins, prominent social work educator and Professor Emeritus, Our Lady of the Lake University, died Friday, February 20, 2004 at the age of 87 in his native city of San Antonio.

As a social work practitioner Professor Collins worked in several public and private social work agencies throughout Texas, including, among others, the V.A. Hospital, Houston; BAMC, where he was the chief psychiatric social worker during the Korean Conflict; and the Community Guidance Center, where he was the first chief social worker. Moreover, he served on the boards of several local social agencies. He was a charter member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Professor Collins taught at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston; in the department of psychology, the University of Texas at Austin; and for thirty years at the Worden School of Social Service, Our Lady of the Lake University, where he was honored with Professor Emeritus status upon retirement.

Many of his years at Worden were spent as Director of Field Practicum, where he significantly influenced the professional development of hundreds of social workers. Through his quiet but effective pioneering efforts at the Worden School, he was instrumental in developing the School from a small struggling institution to a major role in social work education in the Southwest. Beloved by students and colleagues alike, he was recognized in many ways for his achievements. Most notably, the annual field instructor's workshop was re-named in his honor. He was a member of the Council on Social Work Education.

He received his elementary education from the Ursuline nuns and graduated from Central Catholic, St. Mary's University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. During World War II and later during the Korean War he served in the U.S. Army.

Since 1966, Professor Collins was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

He was the only son of the Neil and Belle Collins, and is survived by a sister, Bernice Hall; nephews, Joe W. Hall and Robert E. Hall and wife, Martha; grandnephew, David Hall; cousins; friends, colleagues and former students.

Those desiring may send memorial contributions to the Sisters of Divine Providence, Our Lady of the Lake University.