Outstanding Alumni Award

Dr. April Jones: Education Propels Purpose and Possibilities

In recognition of her commitment to positive social change and transformative leadership, April Jones, PhD in Psychology ‘14, MS in Instructional Design and Technology ’18, is the 2025 Walden Outstanding Alumni Award recipient. This two-time Walden graduate has demonstrated a career focused on leveraging her skills, expertise, and talents to create effective programs, solve challenges, and uplift others. Dr. Jones is the department head of social work and an assistant professor at Tuskegee University College of Arts and Sciences in Tuskegee, Alabama. She is also the founding chair of the university’s online Master of Social Work program. In the wake of a campus tragedy, Dr. Jones provided leadership that helped secure state gun law reform. In addition to her higher education career, Dr. Jones is a sought-after speaker and effectively serves a diverse range of clients as the owner of Visionary Consulting Services, LLC.

A true social change agent, Dr. Jones began her journey as an inquisitive child, always seeking “to figure things out” as her father would tell her. With a family rooted in community action, Dr. Jones has had a strong bedrock of support and a clear vision for social change. Whether her father, a now retired Alabama politician, or her mother a stalwart source of wisdom, or her sister—her greatest cheerleader, Dr. Jones was taught from early on to educate yourself to be ready for what’s possible. Her family’s strength and her love of learning have propelled her education and career journey.

“I’ve learned, you don’t need to wait for opportunities; you can make your own opportunities,” states Dr. Jones.

With social change core to her beliefs, Dr. Jones found Walden to be a perfect fit, as she looked for educational opportunities to advance her career aspirations. A researcher and licensed social worker, she sought to accelerate her skills and deepen her sense of discovery with a doctoral degree in organizational psychology. However, a pivotal conversation during program residency found Dr. Jones graduating with a PhD and quickly re-enrolling to earn a master's in instructional design and technology, changing her focus to educational innovation. She graduated in May 2018, June had a job offer, and in July began her new career with Tuskegee University.

In the development of Tuskegee University’s online Master of Social Work program, Dr. Jones leaned into both her degrees and her entrepreneurial spirit. She said, “My foundation at Walden really equipped me for being in higher education, my degrees help me run the program. I have the breadth and depth of knowledge, how to effect positive social change, I’m prepared.”

A natural networker and community builder, Dr. Jones knew that for the program to be successful long-term, cross-functional institutional buy-in would be important. She actively sought collaboration and says, “It [the program] was really team built, from the ground-up and a matter of endurance.”

The program continues to grow and strengthen with new partnerships and advanced programming on the horizon.

The Ripple of Social Change

For Dr. Jones, positive social change begins with the simple yet profound act of making a difference in someone's life. That small more intimate actions and connections can be just as effective as grand movements. After a tragic shooting on campus in 2024, Dr. Jones spearheaded a coordinated response that positioned the Tuskegee University Social Work Department as a central resource for faculty and staff. While this effort supported community healing, a quiet moment with one individual and a stuffed animal as “thanks” reminded her of the power of authenticity and compassion to make positive change.

Dr. Jones states, “We may not realize the positive impact we're having—that through our work, how we walk in the world, and daily interactions, it's a ripple effect. How will we illuminate others?”

Walden Outstanding Alumni Award

Established nearly 25 years ago, the Walden Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes and celebrates the significant professional achievements and contributions of our alumni. Award winners typify Walden University’s social change mission and values, these are individuals that effect positive social change through contributions to their professions, fields of interest, or communities.

"It's an honor to be bestowed this award," Dr. Jones says. "Of all the thousands of graduates, it's a little breathtaking; I'm pinching myself." Dr. Jones exemplifies our Walden mission in action. Her journey demonstrates the power of family, education, and connection to make our communities stronger, and how we all can be part of creating positive change with and for others, ourselves, and our world.