Dr. Troy Harden

Biography

Troy Harden has over 25 years of experience in higher education and community settings, focusing on racial equity, community violence, and interventions for social trauma. He developed and led the Master of Social Work Program at Northeastern Illinois University and served as the Director of the Race Ethnic Studies Institute at Texas A&M University. His research includes significant projects addressing violence through community outreach, particularly for African American and Latino populations in Chicago. Harden has worked as a lead researcher for the Department of Justice’s Community-based Crime Reduction Grant in Englewood, collaborating with local safety task forces and city leadership on public safety issues. In addition, he has consulted for numerous organizations on race, gender, and poverty issues, including the City of Chicago’s Department of Family Support Services, Latino Policy Forum, and Chicago Public Schools. As Board President of the Chicago Torture Justice Center, he provides mental health services to survivors of police torture. In recognition of his contributions, Harden received an outstanding educator award from Congressman Danny K. Davis in 2017.

Research Interests