Program Affiliations

Social Work

Biography

Jennifer is the Field Director and Clinical Instructor in the Social Work Program at Texas A&M University Texarkana. 

Professional Experience

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the field of social work.  Before TAMUT, she was the Bachelor of Social Work, Program Director/Associate Professor (tenured), and Title IV-E Coordinator at Southern Arkansas University. She has also worked as a mental health professional for 18 years.  She is licensed as a mental health counselor and social worker in Arkansas and Texas. 

Education

Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts from Henderson State University, a Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Arkansas University, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  She completed her Doctorate of Social Work in May of 2023 from the University of Kentucky.

Teaching

Jennifer has taught courses across the social work curriculum; Social Practice I, II, and III, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Field Practicum courses, Child Welfare, Crisis Intervention, Diversity and Social Justice, and Senior Seminar.

Scholarship & Creative Activity

• Research and presentations consist of issues related to child welfare, policy practices, and leadership.
• Recent publication: Unsubstantiated Use of Force in the Killing of Atatianna Jefferson: A Critical Policy Analysis.
• Journal Title: The Howard Journal of Crime and Justice

Professional Affiliations

• National Association of Social Work, Member
• Council on Social Work Education
• Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors
• North American Network of Field Educators and Directors

Honors and Awards

• Mary Armwood Faculty Diversity Excellence Award (Southern Arkansas University)
• Student Advisor of the Year (Southern Arkansas University)