Rashida Crutchfield

Rashida Crutchfield, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Her groundbreaking research has positioned her as a national leader in addressing homelessness and food insecurity among college students. Appointed by CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White in 2014, she led a pioneering three-phase study across the 23-campus CSU system to assess student basic needs challenges.

Her research interests center on social justice, educational equity, and the intersection of social work with higher education policy. She investigates how housing and food insecurity affect student retention, academic performance, and well-being. Her work bridges micro-level student support with macro-level systemic interventions, advocating for institutional and policy changes to support vulnerable student populations.

Dr. Crutchfield’s seminal 2016 report, 'Serving Displaced and Food Insecure Students in the CSU,' revealed that up to 12% of CSU students faced housing insecurity and up to 24% experienced food insecurity. This research catalyzed national awareness and inspired similar studies at universities across the United States, influencing campus-based basic needs initiatives.

• Recognized for leading a landmark study that redefined understanding of student homelessness
• Research featured in Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, and other national media
• Key contributor to the CSU’s Basic Needs Initiative, driving policy change

She actively engages students through focus groups and research discussions, mentoring the next generation of social work scholars. Her work continues to influence grant-funded programs and advocacy efforts aimed at eliminating student basic needs insecurity. Dr. Crutchfield operates both as a micro and macro social worker, combining direct engagement with systemic reform. She has conducted research on nearly half of the CSU campuses and is currently in the second phase of her multi-year study, analyzing qualitative data from student focus groups.