The faculty of the Department of Social Work’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program comprises distinguished, licensed social work professionals with extensive domestic and international experience. Their collective expertise spans decades, enriching both research and classroom instruction with a depth of knowledge and practical application. Additionally, the department's staff member brings a wealth of institutional history and professional experience, fostering a uniquely supportive and culturally grounded learning environment that reflects the enduring legacy of Tuskegee University in the realm of distance education.
April Jones, LMSW, PhD, M.Ed., MS, MSW, BA
Department Head/Associate Professor
Email: ajones@tuskegee.edu
Phone: 334-727-8306
Profile: Dr. Jones is a licensed social worker with extensive international experience, having presented her research and publications in over ten countries. Her scholarly interests encompass the integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI/ChatGPT) in education, health disparities, mental health, community development, military families,data science, and organizational and community development. A proud graduate of Stillman College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology before obtaining her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Alabama. Dr. Jones holds both a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Psychology and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University. As a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Health Disparities Scholar, she has dedicated over two decades to social work administration and direct/indirect practice, specializing in child welfare, mental health, healthcare, and military treatment facilities. She is Quality Matters certified and holds numerous other certifications. Dr. Jones has been recognized for her leadership in social work education and across various professional sectors. To explore her peer-reviewed publications and presentations, visit her ORCID profile.
Denise Fitzpatrick, AS
Department Secretary
Email: dfitzatpatrick@tuskegee.edu
Phone: 334-727-8300
Profile: Mrs. Fitzpatrick has been an integral member of the Department of Social Work for over 38 years, serving as the Department Secretary and providing essential support to both students and faculty. In her role, she oversees work-study students and volunteers, ensuring the efficient operation of departmental activities. Affectionately known as "Mama" Fitzpatrick, she is renowned for her dedication to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment. Her collection of alumni photographs serves as a testament to the lasting connections she has cultivated, embodying the rich legacy and nurturing spirit of Tuskegee University within the department.
Tamara Blackledge Burr, LICSW-S, LCSW, DSW, MSW, BSW
Assistant Professor/Director of Practicum and Internship Education
Email: tburr@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Mrs. Blackledge Burr is a licensed clinical social worker in Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee, as well as a certified clinical supervisor in Alabama. She specializes in trauma-informed practice within the social work profession and has over 14 years of experience as a clinician in private practice. Her areas of expertise encompass child welfare, mental health, substance use disorders, and criminal justice, including court-involved populations. A proud graduate of Miles College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), she earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and previously served as the Director of Field Education. She obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Alabama and is currently ABD (All But Dissertation) in pursuit of a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) at Barry University. Mrs. Blackledge Burr has made significant contributions to social work education and clinical practice. To explore her research publications and presentations, visit her ORCID profile.
Leslie Gill, LCSW, MSW, BS
Adjunct Instructor
Email:lgill@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Mrs. Gill is a licensed clinical social worker and a dedicated child welfare administrator with extensive experience in the field. She is deeply committed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research and the professional development of child welfare practitioners, with a particular focus on education, training, and trauma-informed supervision. She earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology from the University of Mississippi and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Troy University. Her research interests include the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within the foster care system and the implementation of culturally responsive, trauma-informed care in child welfare practice. In addition to her expertise in child welfare systems, she has extensive experience in professional development and continuing education for social workers and interdisciplinary practitioners.
Teresa Grear, LCSW, PhD, MSW, BSW, MAC
Associate Professor/ Director of Global Studies
Email: tgrear@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. Grear is a licensed clinical social worker and an international social work practitioner with extensive global experience, having lived in multiple countries and taught at several universities abroad. With over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice, her professional expertise includes serving military and veteran populations, as well as working in healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment settings. She holds a Master of Addiction Counseling (MAC) certification, a specialization in substance use treatment, ACUE certified, along with numerous other professional certifications. A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), she earned both her Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees there. She obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan. Dr. Grear’s research interests encompass eco-social work, veterinary social work, mental health and substance use disorders, and the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families. To explore her research publications and presentations, visit her ORCID profile.
Jilisa Milton, LCSW, JD, MSW, BA
Adjunct Instructor
Email: jmiliton@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Attorney Milton is a licensed clinical social worker, civil rights attorney, and executive leader of an environmental agency specializing in eco-social work in Birmingham, AL. Her diverse professional experience spans forensic social work, mediation, civil rights law, immigration law, and legislative advocacy as a lobbyist. Her research interests focus on the intersection of law and social work practice, the criminal justice system, and social and environmental justice. Attorney Milton is committed to advancing interdisciplinary approaches that address systemic inequities and promote sustainable community development. Learn more about her work and contributions here .
Isabel Sageun Lee, LSW, PhD, MSW, BSW, CCM
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Email: llee@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. Isabel Sangeun Lee is an Assistant Professor at Salem State University School of Social Work and serves as a Board Member of the Special Commission to Advance Macro Social Work. As a licensed social worker (LSW) and a federally certified case manager (CCM), she has worked with managed care organizations and community-based nonprofits since 2009. Additionally, she has contributed to social policy and program development as an external grant reviewer at both state and federal levels. Dr. Lee earned her Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Research from Bryn Mawr College and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania. Her scholarship, employing conceptual, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches, examines the intersections of community engagement, public health, and social worker burnout. She also collaborates with South Korea’s Ministry of Unification to advocate for the rights and social integration of North Korean refugees. To explore her research and publications, visit her ORCID profile.
Donald Mathis, LMSW, MSW, BSW
Adjunct Instructor/ Practicum & Internship Education Faculty Liaison
Email: dmathis@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Mr. Mathis, affectionately known as "Coach Mathis" to interns, is a licensed master's-level social worker with extensive professional experience in child welfare, substance use treatment, and mental health services for both adult and youth populations. He is a proud alumnus of Savannah State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where he earned his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). He later obtained his Master of Social Work (MSW) from St. Leo University. His research interests focus on student success and the role of spirituality in mental health and substance use treatment. In addition to his professional work, Mr. Mathis is a minister of the gospel, dedicated to supporting individuals throughout the life cycle. His commitment to holistic well-being and social work education underscores his passion for mentorship and community empowerment.
Stephanie Spann, LCSW, PhD, MSW, BSW
Adjunct Instructor
Email: sspann@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. Spann is a licensed clinical social worker and a seasoned healthcare executive with decades of experience in clinical practice, program development, and organizational leadership. She has spearheaded numerous healthcare initiatives, focusing on program development, process improvement, implementation, and long-term sustainability. An Army veteran, Dr. Spann specializes in healthcare administration and the needs of military and veteran populations. She is a proud two-time graduate of Clark Atlanta University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW). She later obtained her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from Walden University. Dr. Spann's research interests center on communities of color and veteran populations, with a focus on advancing equitable healthcare access and outcomes. To learn more about her research and scholarly contributions, visit her ORCID profile.
Ivis King, PhD, MSW, BA
Adjunct Associate Professor
Email: iking@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. King is a researcher and Associate Director of the AUC Data Center in Atlanta, GA, with extensive experience in higher education and the social and human services field. With over 30 years of professional experience in Georgia, she has worked across public and private child welfare agencies, juvenile justice systems, and correctional institutions. Her research interests encompass child welfare, the Afrocentric Perspective, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and the integration of data science methodologies in social work. Her primary research focuses on child welfare policy and consent decrees, examining their implications for systemic reform. Dr. King actively incorporates data science methods into her teaching, research, and scholarship to advance evidence-based practices in social work education and practice. She is a certified Quality Matters Peer Reviewer, Faculty Learning Community Coordinator, and Blueprint course designer. Additionally, she has developed an Afrocentric model for social work curriculum and research, contributing to the advancement of culturally responsive pedagogy and practice. To learn more about her research and scholarly contributions, visit her ORCID profile.
Dr. Cora Jackson, LCSW, ACSW, DSW, MSW, BSW, BS
Adjunct Associate Professor/Practicum and Internship Education Liaison
Email: cjackson@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. Jackson is a licensed clinical social worker and Core Faculty in Walden University’s Barbara Solomon School of Social Work. She has over 28 years of experience in mental health, medical social work, Head Start, child welfare, nonprofit leadership, and higher education. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Jackson holds degrees from Tulane University (DSW), Mississippi Valley State University (MSW), and Delta State University (BSW, BS). She co-founded Delta Hands for Hope to support vulnerable children in the Mississippi Delta and has been recognized as Social Worker of the Year (2022) by NASW-MS and Social Work Field Director of the Year by the Alabama/Mississippi Social Work Education Conference. Dr. Jackson has served in several roles at Delta State University to include Instructor and Director of Field Education, Assistant Professor and Chair of the BSW Program; Adjunct Professor and Assistant Professor at Mississippi Valley State University; a Part-Time External Field Instructor for the University of Alabama and Adjunct Professor for Tulane University. Dr. Jackson has presented widely at state and national conferences on ethics, field education, poverty, and resilience, and remains dedicated to preparing future social workers with the skills, values, and critical thinking needed for professional excellence.
Mikal Sabree, LICSW, PIP, MSW, BSW
Adjunct Instructor
Email: msabree@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Mikal Sabree is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Private Independent Practitioner, serving as the CEO and Clinical Director of Sabree Therapeutic Services, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Alabama State University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Child and Family Welfare from Alabama A&M University. With over a decade of clinical experience, Mr. Sabree specializes in providing therapeutic services that address the unique needs of diverse populations. In addition to his clinical practice, he has served as a Social Work Adjunct Instructor for several years, teaching at Alabama State University, the University of Alabama, and Tuskegee University His research interests include health disparities within communities of color, mental health and wellness among minority males, and the role of spirituality in healing historical trauma. His work seeks to bridge the gap between culturally responsive mental health care and social justice.
Erika Turner, LCSW, MSW, CCTP, CCAPT
Adjunct Instructor
Email: eturner@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Ms. Turner is a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia and Florida and a certified telehealth provider nearing two decades of experience in mental health service provision for adults, children, and families. She has also accumulated several years of experience in higher education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College in 1996 and later obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Howard University in 2007. Throughout her career, Ms. Turner has worked in diverse settings, including residential treatment facilities, community mental health agencies, medical institutions, military bases, and private practice. Her clinical expertise includes providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling. Ms. Turner holds advanced clinical credentials as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). In addition to her clinical practice, she serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Social Work Departments at Saint Leo University and Tuskegee University. She is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of social workers by providing clinical supervision to postgraduate professionals preparing for state licensure.
D'Netra Young-Lawal, LCSW, MSW, DSW
Adjunct Instructor
Email: dyoung-lawal@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. D’Netra Young-Lawal, LCSW, is a seasoned social work educator and practitioner with over 15 years of experience in medical social work, child and family services, mental health, and higher education. She has held leadership roles in social work education, including serving as Director of Field Education for a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, and has extensive experience teaching courses in field experience, observation, and practicum. Her work is grounded in a commitment to preparing social work students for professional practice through the integration of theoretical knowledge, applied skills, and ethical principles. Her pedagogical approach is centered on cultural competence, trauma-informed care, experiential learning, and empowerment-based methodologies, ensuring that students are equipped to serve diverse populations effectively. She actively bridges the gap between theory and practice by facilitating supervised field placements, reflective learning, and hands-on engagement with real-world social work settings. Ms. Young-Lawal’s research focuses on mental health disparities among Black women and the development of inclusive learning environments that promote student success. Through her scholarship and teaching, she is dedicated to advancing equity, social justice, and culturally responsive practices within the social work profession.
Associate Professor/Director of Research and Grants
Profile: coming soon!
