Latoya L Smith-Jones

Latoya L Smith-Jones is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she has been teaching since 2010. She holds a PhD in Social Work from UTA (2013) and has extensive professional experience in education, disability services, and social work. She currently serves as the Director of Student Accessibility Resources at Tarrant County College, a role she began in 2024.

• PhD, Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, 2013
• MA, Criminology & Criminal Justice, The University of Texas at Arlington, 2004
• BA, Psychology/Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, 2002
• AA, General Studies, Tarrant County College District, 2000

Her research interests include mental health, accessibility and disability, program evaluation, substance misuse, and the well-being of disadvantaged populations. She also focuses on school social work, human behavior, policy, and ethics. Her teaching portfolio covers courses such as Research and Evaluation, Integrative Seminar, Social Policy, Mental Health, and Inequities and Incarceration.

The publications and scholarly works of Dr. Smith-Jones reflect her interdisciplinary background in social work, education, and criminology. Her research trends emphasize ecological models of youth development, educational equity, and practical strategies for supporting diverse learners, particularly those with disabilities or from marginalized communities.

• UTA, Award, Doctoral Education Grant (2013)

Dr. Smith-Jones has served on dissertation committees, most recently advising research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disadvantaged students. While no specific grants are listed beyond the Doctoral Education Grant, her work in accessibility, education, and social policy suggests ongoing engagement with institutional and community-based initiatives. She has not been described as leading externally funded research projects, but her administrative and teaching roles indicate significant academic service.

Dr. Smith-Jones has held leadership roles in educational institutions, including as a school administrator and currently as Director of Student Accessibility Resources. She is actively involved in professional development and training, holding multiple certifications related to education, inclusion, and student support. While no formal lab or research team is mentioned, her work is deeply collaborative with educational institutions and student support systems.