Dr. Barbara Jones

Biography

Barbara L. Jones is a distinguished scholar in psychosocial oncology and palliative care. She currently serves as the Dean and Professor at Boston University School of Social Work, where she joined in 2023. Prior to joining Boston University, she was a prominent faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin for nearly twenty years, occupying roles such as University Distinguished Professor and founding director of the Institute for Collaborative Health Research Practice. Jones has made significant contributions to the field through her work at the intersection of social work and medical disciplines, particularly as the inaugural chair of the Department of Health Social Work at Dell Medical School. As a first-generation college student, she earned her PhD and MSW in social welfare from the University at Albany, NY, and has practiced as a clinical social worker for over 15 years. Her research interests focus on enhancing care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer, supported by major grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society. Jones is an acclaimed author with more than 120 articles published in top-tier journals and has co-edited notable books in her field. Her accolades include the Social Worker of the Year award from the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers and her election to the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare in 2020.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards