Dr. Ann Hunt-Rodgers
Director:
DSW, MSW, M.A., serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. Before joining the faculty full time, she excelled as an MSW Academic Advisor III and Adjunct Assistant Professor, where she played a pivotal role in shaping student-centered vision fostering a strong, transdisciplinary educational experience. Through her leadership, teaching, and advising, Ann has helped guide countless students toward academic and professional success.
Prior to her work in academic advising, Ann contributed significantly to the Center for African American Studies (CAAS), where she held multiple roles involving program development, academic advising, adjunct assistant professor, logistical and technical coordination, and the supervision of Social Work interns. She also led the planning and execution of lectures, meetings, workshops, and conferences, supporting the center’s mission of community engagement and educational excellence.
Ann holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, a second master’s degree in Religion from Trevecca Nazarene University, as well as a Doctor of Social Work degree from Simmons University. In the School of Social Work, she teaches a range of courses, including Social Work Professionalism, Introduction to Social Work, Diverse Populations, Social Work Practice I, Foundations of Social Policy & Services, and others, bringing her extensive experience and passion for student development into the classroom.
Dr. Dianna Jones
Director:
Dr. Dianna Jones,BSW, MSW, EdD, B2B Consultant is an Assistant Professor of Practice with 15 years of teaching experience. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Oklahoma, where she was recognized as “Most Changed and Future Change Agent.”
After serving as a family advocate, she transitioned into higher education as a Program Director and Adjunct Professor at East Texas University Commerce, balancing teaching, direct practice, student mentoring and community practice for over a decade.
In Fall 2023, she accepted a full-time appointment as an Assistant Professor of Practice at UTA. Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Management and remains committed to advancing social work education, empowering future practitioners and working for social change.
Victor Eugene Allen
Director:
Victor E. Allen is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major with over 28 years of distinguished leadership experience in communications, training, project management, human resources, and logistics. A native of Orlando, FL, he has received numerous awards from former U.S. Presidents, senior military leaders, and national organizations for his outstanding service and community impact. Notably, he earned the 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Brain Trust Award for mentoring more than 16,000 at-risk youth and the 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Victor is a Certified Agile Coach, SAFe Scrum Master, and a TEDx speaker known for his talk, “Command Presence: Learning How to See Gray.” He holds a Master of Social Work in Advanced Community Practice and a Bachelor of Social Work (summa cum laude) with a Minor in African American Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington.
He currently serves as an adjunct assistant professor in UTA’s School of Social Work, a faculty mentor for the Student Association for Macro Social Work (SAMSW).
Heather Parker
Secretary:
Heather Parker, BSW, is an MSW candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington and a Qualified Mental Health Professional at a behavioral health clinic. Heather’s journey in social work is shaped by resilience, advocacy, and a passion for empowering children and families. She has contributed to faculty-community partnerships through UTA’s Center for Service Learning, helping integrate experiential education into academic curricula. On campus, she has also taken on leadership roles, where she translates group discussions into actionable agendas and inclusive programming.
Heather excels at connecting theory to practice, drawing on cognitive and behavioral approaches to support peers and communities. Her scholarly focus centers on family-based psychoeducation and skills training for adolescents with ADHD, reflecting her dedication to evidence-based interventions that strengthen families and reduce barriers to care.
Heather is deeply committed to systemic advocacy and community inclusion. Her vision as a future practitioner is to walk alongside youth and their families, equipping them with tools to thrive and fostering environments where every voice is valued.
Bryan Popp
President:
