Dr. Rhonda E. Hudson joined the faculty at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, in August, 2006, just prior to completing her PhD at Barry University in 2007. She currently serves as a Professor of Social Work and Acting BSW Director in the Union University School of Social Work, which is a division of the Department of Education and Human Studies. Dr. Hudson teaches courses in the Practice and HBSE sequences in the BSW and MSW programs. She is also a certified Quality Matters Peer Reviewer for online courses at Union University.
Dr. Hudson earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida A & M University, in Tallahassee, FL, and her MSW and PhD degrees from Barry University, in Miami Shores, FL. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Dr. Hudson’s scholarship is primarily in the area of empowerment practice. She is author of the chapter on the “Empowerment Model” in A. Gitterman, & R. Salmon R. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Social Work with Groups, and co-author of “Empowerment approach to social work practice” in F. A. Turner (Ed.), Social Work Treatment (5th Ed.), as well as, “Ethnic Identity and Propensity for Practice among African Descendent MSW Students” in the Journal of Social Work Education. She has facilitated bereavement groups with HIV+ African American women, using principles from the Empowerment Approach, and has also made scholarly presentations on several topics, including bereavement and grief, and church and faith-based partnerships in providing hospitality and shelter to homeless men.
While pursuing her academic career, Dr. Hudson has raised three sons, Percy (26), Ronald (23), and Ryan (18). She has served as an at-large representative and co-chair of the Membership Committee for the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG), and currently is President of the Board for Area Relief Ministries, Inc. In the community, Dr. Hudson also serves as the Coordinator for Room in the Inn Homeless Ministry and on the Praise Team at Northside Assembly of God.