Cassandra Chaney

Cassandra Chaney is the J. Franklin Bayhi Endowed Professor at Louisiana State University’s College of Human Sciences & Education, School of Social Work. She specializes in Black family dynamics, resilience, and intersections with religion, spirituality, and media representation.

• PhD in Human and Community Development (University of Illinois, 2006)
• MS in Human and Community Development (University of Illinois, 2002)
• BS in Psychology (Southern University and A&M College, 2000)

Her research examines intimacy and commitment in Black heterosexual relationships, enduring marriages, and critiques media portrayals of Black families. She employs qualitative methods and theoretical frameworks like Black feminism and family stress theory to address systemic issues (racism, incarceration, unemployment) and policy recommendations.

Her scholarly output spans journals such as Ethnicities, Family Relations, and Journal of African American Studies, with recurring themes in Hip-Hop, R&B, and cinematic analysis. She has presented at national conferences on topics like Black mothers in media, Black male representation, and trauma healing.

• J. Franklin Bayhi Endowed Professor

Chaney’s work emphasizes a strengths-based perspective, advocating for Black families through academic rigor and community engagement.