Hogg Foundation for Mental Health

Texas Woman’s University Professor Receives Research Grant From the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health

June 1, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas – Dr. Kimberly Booker, an assistant professor at Texas Woman’s University, is one of 10 tenure-track faculty members in Texas to receive research grants totaling $150,000 from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.

The one-year grants are capped at $15,000 each. The foundation received 35 proposals from faculty at 16 colleges and universities in Texas.

Booker, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Philosophy, will assess the psychological needs and behavioral difficulties of adolescents in disciplinary alternative education programs. She also plans to identify better screening methods to help at-risk youth.

Dr. Angela Mitchell, also an assistant professor in the department, will work with her on the project. Their work will be conducted through a partnership with the Dallas Independent School District.

“Often, children with disciplinary problems have undiagnosed mental health needs that contribute to their behavior issues. They have a far better chance at success in school if those needs are identified and treated appropriately,” said Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director of the foundation.

Students in disciplinary alternative education programs tend to be at risk of failing and include dropouts, students with disabilities or high-risk behaviors, and a disproportionate number of children of color. Increasing focus on high-stakes testing gradually has resulted in less screening, awareness and treatment of students’ behavioral issues and mental health needs, according to Booker’s proposal.

“We hope to shed light on behavioral and mental health barriers to adolescents being successful in school,” Booker said. “Our focus on the vulnerable alternative education population has particular importance, considering these students’ increased potential for academic failure and dropping out.”

The Hogg Foundation was founded in 1940 by the children of former Texas Governor James Hogg to promote improved mental health for the people of Texas. The foundation’s grants and programs support mental health consumer services, research, policy analysis and public education projects in Texas.