Renata Hedrington-jones

Dr. Hedrington Jones is a graduate of McKinley High School, Washington, D.C. She believes that this is her greatest accomplishment and contributes to her strength and desire to impact the lives of her community and beyond. Dr. Renata A. Hedrington Jones is a graduate of Walden University earning her PhD in Human Services Administration (2015) and a Master’s in Policy Administration (2021). She earned a BA in Social Work from Virginia Intermont College (1975); MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University (1987). She is a Licensed School Social Worker.
Dr. Hedrington Jones is currently a Core Faculty member in the MSW program at Walden University. She believes that she has been ordained to be a social worker. Her social work career began in 1974. She has worked in corrections, community mental health, adoptions, public education, and residential services. Her work experiences resulted in her being the voice of the people in her community.
Dr. Hedrington Jones works with the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers Social Action committee. She is currently the National Vice President of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW). She is also a member of the DMV region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., DTEC/DTAG (Delta Teacher Efficacy Campaign/Delta Teachers Advocating to Lead Great Change). This committee works to advocate and inform communities about public education and relevant polices and laws. Empowering others is essential to social change.
She served as an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, and Longwood University. Dr. Hedrington Jones is an enthusiastic advocate for equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. She served as a lobbyist in the Commonwealth of Virginia representing the Virginia School Social Workers Association on Capitol Hill. She participated in the Inaugural Social Work Consortium on Capitol Hill representing the National Association of Black Social Workers. She works with social policy organizations to support and ensure awareness and to learn the social worker’s role and needs on a national policy level.
Dr. Hedrington Jones was awarded the Nia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Anniversary of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW). She was recently reelected as the National Vice President of NABSW.
Dr. Hedrington Jones and her research partners were awarded a Walden University FRIG (grant) which supported research and the presentation of the project and findings at the National Conference of the International Coalition of Children of Incarcerated Parents at the University of Huddersfield in Huddersfield, U.K. The goal of the research was to explore the use of storytelling as a communication tool for parents and caregivers of children of incarcerated parents. Dr. Hedrington Jones is the 2021 recipient of the Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence, Commitment to Social Change Award, and the Faculty Excellence Award (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences) from Walden University.
Dr. Hedrington jones was recently awarded the Black Excellence Award by the Richmond Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for her contributions to the community and the social work profession. She is currently completing research on Safe Spaces vs. Counter Spaces via a Walden Faculty Grant; she is the Coordinator of a NASW Foundation, LLC COVID grant awarded to NABSW. Dr. Hedrington Jones believes in reciprocity and continuing the legacy of the Ancestors.

Courses Taught

SOCW 6351 - Social Policy, Welfare, & Change

SOCW 9000 - Dissertation

SOCW 8610 - Capstone Research Project

SWLB 0651 - Social Work Skills Lab

SOCW 6051 - Diversity, Human Rights, Social Justice

SOCW 6090 - Psychopathology for Social Work

SOCW 6111 - Advanced Clinical Practice

SOCW 6361 - Social Policy, Analysis, & Advocacy

Education

PhD, Walden University

MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University

BA, Virginia Intermont College

Public Service

Richmond Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Board Member - Richmond

Dream Academy, Chair - Richmond

Richmond Alumnae Chapter Delta SigmaTheta Sorority, Inc./Jabberwock Committee, Chair - Richmond

Awards / Honors

Community Healers Award, Community Healing Network, 2023

Commitment to Social Change Award, Walden University, 2021

Faculty Excellence Award, Walden University, 2021

Publications

Hedrington-Jones, R. A. (2019). Truth and The Big Dinner A Story About Parental Incarceration. N/A

Hedrington-jones, R. (2015). Human Services Professionals' Practice With Families After Parental Incarceration.

Presentations

Hedrington-jones, R. (2023). Creating Mental Health Awareness Within the African American Community Part 2. Dr. Rc & National Association of Black Social Workers

Hedrington-jones, R. (2023). Creating Mental Health Awareness Within the African Americans Community Part 1. Dr Rc & National Association of Black Social Workers

Hedrington-jones, R. A. (2023). NABSW Tackles COVID 19. NASW Foundation, LLC