Truancy, Juvenile Delinquency Scholar Joins School of Social Work

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Johanna Thomas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – This fall, Johanna Thomas will join the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences School of Social Work as an assistant professor. Thomas comes to the University of Arkansas from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she demonstrated a strong record of scholarship and service as interim coordinator for the Bachelor of Social Work Program. 

"The social work faculty are thrilled to welcome Dr. Thomas," said Kameri Christy, the school's interim director. "Her outstanding publication record and continuous service to social work make her an invaluable asset."

Thomas' research interests include program evaluation; poverty and inequality; early education policies, programs and interventions; juvenile delinquency; and policies related to crime. Thomas has published articles in some of the field's top journals like Children and Youth Services Review and the Journal of Social Service Research.

"As an educator, my overall goal is to provide a high impact learning environment designed to enhance students' knowledge, promote critical thinking, and assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals," said Thomas. "It's a goal that works well with Fulbright College's message of peace through education, and I look forward to being part of that."

Thomas has secured $52,000 in internal and $427,500 in external funding and made 15 professional conference presentations.  She serves as the Central Branch representative on the National Association of Social Workers Arkansas Board of Directors.   

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Art in sociology/corrections from the University of Akron. She earned a Master of Social Work and a doctorate in social work from Louisiana State University.