Award Recognizes Leadership and Innovation

Dr. April Lavette Jones has been named the 2026 recipient of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Distinguished Recent Contributions to Social Work Education Award, a national honor recognizing outstanding achievements in advancing social work education.

Jones, director of strategic innovation and distance social work education in AAMU’s Department of Social Work, was selected through a competitive national nomination process recognizing early- to midcareer educators whose work has made significant contributions to the profession.

She will receive the award Sunday, Oct. 25, during the CSWE Annual Awards Luncheon at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta. The ceremony is part of the organization’s 2026 Annual Conference, which brings together social work educators, scholars, administrators and practitioners from across the country.

Jones is believed to be the first Alabama A&M representative to receive the award in this category, marking a significant distinction for the University and its Department of Social Work.

A licensed master social worker, organizational psychologist, researcher and higher education leader, Jones brings more than two decades of professional experience spanning academic leadership, curriculum development, instructional innovation, mental health, military family services and community engagement.

Her selection recognizes a body of work that includes advancing technology-enhanced and simulation-based education, strengthening academic programs, supporting accreditation, expanding educational access and contributing to national professional service.

Jones joined Alabama A&M in fall 2026, bringing extensive leadership experience from institutions including Tuskegee University, Bellevue University and Talladega College. At Tuskegee, she served as department chair of social work and a tenured associate professor. At Talladega College, she chaired the School of Education and Social Sciences, overseeing programs in education, sociology, social work, criminal justice and psychology.

Jones is expected to begin teaching courses in group work and psychopathology at AAMU during the spring 2027 semester.

In her current role, Jones is helping shape the future of AAMU’s undergraduate, master’s and doctoral social work programs through strategic innovation, responsible artificial intelligence integration, distance education, faculty development and workforce partnerships.

Her vision includes expanding access to high-quality social work education while ensuring students are prepared to navigate emerging technologies, address complex societal challenges and lead within their profession.

“My ultimate goal is to help position Alabama A&M University’s Department of Social Work as a nationally recognized model for innovative, accessible, technologically advanced, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded social work education,” Jones said.

A native of Town Creek, Alabama, Jones’ arrival at AAMU represents a homecoming of sorts. Raised in a rural North Alabama community, she has built a career that has taken her from direct social work practice and disaster response to national leadership, international education and higher education innovation.

Her connection to Alabama A&M is also personal. Several family members attended the University, including her sister, Sharona, an alumna of AAMU's social work program.

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Stillman College, a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama, a master’s degree in management from Faulkner University, and both a doctorate in psychology with a specialization in organizational psychology and a master’s degree in instructional design and technology from Walden University.

Her professional accomplishments include service on the CSWE Board of Directors as a bachelor’s-level social work program representative, national committee work and accreditation-related service. She also received the inaugural Gatekeeper of the Profession and Outstanding Program Director Award from the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors in 2024.

Beyond academic leadership, Jones has contributed to social work policy, research ethics and professional advocacy. Her work has included supporting efforts to expand the scope of practice for appropriately licensed clinical social workers in Alabama and advocating for recognition of individuals whose contributions have advanced ethics and accountability in the profession.

For Jones, the national recognition reflects not only professional achievement but also the importance of service, family and the educational opportunities that can transform lives. She credits her parents, retired Lawrence County Commissioner Mose Jones Jr. and Ella M. Jones, with instilling the values of perseverance, education and community service that have guided her career.

As she prepares to accept the award on a national stage, Jones hopes her journey from rural North Alabama will inspire students to recognize the possibilities beyond their circumstances.

“Where you begin does not determine how far your education, service, and commitment can take you,” Jones said.