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. This national honor recognizes outstanding achievements in advancing social work education. Jones is the director of strategic innovation and distance social work education in Alabama A&M University’s (AAMU) Department of Social Work.
Jones was selected through a competitive national nomination process. The award acknowledges early- to midcareer educators whose work has significantly contributed to the social work profession. She will receive the award on Sunday, Oct. 25, during the CSWE Annual Awards Luncheon. The event will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, as part of the organization’s 2026 Annual Conference. Jones is believed to be the first Alabama A&M representative to receive this award in its category, marking a significant distinction for the university and its social work department.
National Recognition for Social Work Innovation
Jones brings over two decades of professional experience to her role. Her background includes academic leadership, curriculum development, instructional innovation, mental health, military family services, and community engagement. Her selection recognizes her work in advancing technology-enhanced and simulation-based education, strengthening academic programs, supporting accreditation, and expanding educational access. Jones joined AAMU in fall 2026, bringing leadership experience from Tuskegee University, Bellevue University, and Talladega College.
At Tuskegee University, Jones served as department chair of social work and a tenured associate professor. She also chaired the School of Education and Social Sciences at Talladega College, 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 in the spring 2027 semester.
In her current position, Jones is working to shape AAMU’s undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral social work programs. Her efforts focus on strategic innovation, responsible artificial intelligence integration, distance education, faculty development, and workforce partnerships. Jones aims to expand access to high-quality social work education while ensuring students are prepared for emerging technologies and complex societal challenges.
“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, a native of Town Creek, Alabama, has built a career that has spanned direct social work practice, disaster response, national leadership, and international education. Several family members, including her sister Sharona, are alumni of AAMU’s social work program. Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Stillman College, a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama, and a master’s degree in management from Faulkner University. She also earned 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 and national committee work. In 2024, she received the inaugural Gatekeeper of the Profession and Outstanding Program Director Award from the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors. Jones has also contributed to social work policy, research ethics, and professional advocacy, including efforts to expand the scope of practice for licensed clinical social workers in Alabama.
Jones credits her parents, retired Lawrence County Commissioner Mose Jones Jr. and Ella M. Jones, with instilling the values of perseverance, education, and community service. She hopes her journey from rural North Alabama will inspire students to recognize the possibilities beyond their circumstances. Jones will accept the award on a national stage, highlighting the importance of service and educational opportunities that can transform lives.
