Doctoral student Johnnetta Bell was recently selected to join the 2022-2024 cohort of the Barbara L. Jackson Scholars Program. Developed by the University Council for Education Administration, the initiative provides mentoring, professional development, and networking opportunities for doctoral students of color in educational leadership and policy studies.

Bell is a student assistant working with Assistant Professor Erica Edwards. Through the Detroit Partnership for Education Equity & Research, she conducts participatory action research with community members in the Springwells and Brightmoor neighborhoods that is focused on investigating chronic absenteeism in their neighborhood schools.

After serving in multiple roles in education ranging from a special instructor in an urban public school district to a workforce development/college and career readiness manager at a non-profit, Bell became interested in parental involvement, specifically during the college transition process. She is passionate about education and helping students and parents navigate the college planning and transition process. Her research interests are primarily centered on low-income, single Black mothers and their involvement in the college-going process.

Bell earned her bachelor’s in mortuary science from Wayne State. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of mortuary science and works contingently in the industry as a licensed funeral director at Wilson-Akins Funeral Homes in Detroit. Bell also has two master’s degrees in higher education student affairs and women’s studies and earned two graduate certificates in academic advising and community college leadership.

A native Detroiter, Bell loves crafting and often participates in local craft fairs and artisan markets.