Areas of Interest and Expertise
- Social Work Education (BSW, MSW, and DSW)
- International Social Work
- Child Welfare
- Social Systems
- Nonprofit Management
- Fund Development
- Health and Human Services
- Student Mentorship and Professional Development
- Curriculum Development and Program Assessment
Education
- Certificate in Nonprofit Management, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (2024)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Instructional Leadership (2019)
- LMSW (1992-Present)
- MSW, The University of Alabama (1992)
- BSW, The University of Alabama (1990)
Bio
Executive with over 34 years of leadership in nonprofit management, social work education, and community advocacy. Successfully direct a $1M+ nonprofit serving West Alabama families in crisis, with a proven record of securing major federal, state, and private grants including the $1M Bezos Day One Families Fund grant. Trusted faculty member at The University of Alabama School of Social Work, elected Tuscaloosa City Board of Education representative.
Professional Experience
Executive Director, Temporary Emergency Services, Inc., Tuscaloosa, AL
1990–Present
Direct a nonprofit organization of 19 staff dedicated to helping individuals and families in immediate crisis situations with emergency shelter, food, and care. Oversee over $1M in total annual support, strategic planning, donor and volunteer communications, fundraising, and community outreach. Ensure residents of West Alabama are assisted through donations from United Way of West Alabama, local businesses, churches, and individuals.
Awards
- Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award, Black Warrior Council, Boy Scouts of America / Scouting America, December 2025 — national BSA award recognizing outstanding service in developing Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds
- Presidential Award for Community Service, 2024 — in recognition of dedicating countless hours to serving the West Alabama community
- Bridge Builder Executive Director Award, Alabama One Foundation, 2023 — recognition for serving as a pillar, mentor, business leader, and community advocate
- Community Service Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. — Eta Xi Omega Chapter (Tuscaloosa), Delta Sigma Chapter (Stillman College), and Theta Sigma Chapter (University of Alabama), 2023
- Lahoma Adams Buford Peace Award, The University of Alabama School of Social Work, 2022 — university-wide recognition for faculty demonstrating exceptional involvement in mediating human disputes, overcoming prejudice, promoting justice, and establishing peace
- Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson Award established in my name, Junior League of Tuscaloosa, 2019 — recognizing service as the first African American President in the League’s 85-year history
- Pillar of West Alabama, Community Foundation of West Alabama, 2019
- Inducted into the Civic Hall of Fame, West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, 2019
- Leadership Alabama, Class of 2018–2019
- Adjunct of the Year and Field Instructor of the Year, The University of Alabama School of Social Work, 2017
Endowed Scholarships Endowed in My Name
- Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson Endowed Scholarship Fund, The University of Alabama School of Social Work, 2022
- Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson Endowed Scholarship, The University of Alabama School of Social Work, 2017