ANN ARBOR—Henry J. Meyer, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, died Oct. 29 at University Hospital. He was 87.

Meyer, who taught at the U-M from 1957 until 1978, is perhaps best known nationally for his 1965 landmark study “Girls at Vocational High: An Experiment in Social Work Intervention.” This research analyzed the effects of social work services on the lives of girls at inner-city high schools.

Another important work, “School, Family and Neighborhood: Theory and Practice of School-Community Relations,” investigated links between families and school systems.

The author and editor of more than a dozen books and monographs and some 50 articles, Meyer’s teaching and research covered such broad interests as sociological and social psychology theory, labor disputes, evaluations of mental health and family service programs, community organization, population policy, and professionalization of social work.

At Michigan, Meyer developed and headed the University’s interdisciplinary doctoral program in social work and social science, the first program of its kind in the nation. After stepping down as head of the program in 1970, he directed an interdisciplinary training program in family and population planning for students from developing nations.

“Henry’s vision and leadership allowed the country’s first joint program in social work and social science to grow and flourish, and to become a jewel in the crown within the University,” says Paula Allen-Meares, dean of social work. “Henry was a wonderful colleague who not only was a scholar of great integrity but also was a warm and thoughtful friend to everyone, and we all will miss him greatly.”

Prior to coming to Michigan, Meyer taught at what is now Washington State University (1939-42) and at New York University (1946-57). During World War II, he worked for the National War Labor Board as vice chair of the National Telephone Commission and as chair of the Wage Stabilization Board.

Through the years, Meyer was involved in training social workers from Asia, was a consultant to the University of Singapore and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and served as an adviser to the Council on Social Work Education, the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and to many social service agencies.

In 1974, he was the first social work educator to receive the U-M Distinguished Faculty Service Award, and in 1998, the U-M established the Henry J. Meyer Collegiate Professorship.

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He is survived by wife, Suzanne of Ann Arbor; children Joseph (Jane) Meyer of Baltimore and Claire (Asher) Galed of Huntington Woods, Mich.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At his request, his body was donated to the U-M Medical School. A memorial service will be held Dec. 10 at Schorling Auditorium in the School of Education Building. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Henry J. Meyer Scholarship Fund at the U-M School of Social Work, 1080 South University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, or to a charity of choice.