Kenneth J. Dawes, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor (Department of Social Work) at the University of North Dakota (UND), held the titles of Director of the Bismarck Area Social Service Center, Clinical Director at the State Industrial School in Mandan, and Executive Director of the North Dakota Combined Law Enforcement Council in Bismarck. He served as Chair of the Department of Social Work and Director of the UND Office of Research and Program Development. He is a recipient of the Ruth Meiers Award for Outstanding Service to the Disadvantaged of North Dakota, and he is Professor Emeritus at the University of North Dakota.