University of Montevallo First-Year Faculty Member Earns AERA Outstanding Dissertation Award

May 18, 2026

Dr. April M. Jones, assistant professor of educational research at the University of Montevallo, was awarded the 2026 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Division D Outstanding Dissertation Award.

Dr. Jones is a first-year faculty member in UM’s Teaching, Leadership and Technology department in the College of Education and Human Development.

“The dissertation award process is highly competitive and prestigious,” said Dr. Courtney Bentley, UM provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Jones’ selection signifies her talent and proficiency in conducting high-level scholarship. We are honored to have her on faculty at this historic time when the University is supporting doctoral level research.”

The American Educational Research Association is the most prominent international organization for educational researchers. It is the home to top tier academic journals and annually hosts one of the largest education research conferences in the country. AERA, founded in 1916, is concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and evaluation and by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results.

The award Jones received recognizes dissertations that make outstanding contributions to educational research methodology. Her study is a contribution to the fields of qualitative research, education, and social work, and advances the utility of interdisciplinary knowledge to explore important research topics through creative and innovative qualitative methods. Jones’ scholarship will expand the research methods used within leadership, organization and administration educational programs.

Jones received her Ph.D. in educational research (qualitative) from The University of Alabama in 2025.