James R. McDonell, Ph.D.
Associate Director of the Institute
Associate Professor
James R. McDonell (BA, Methodist; MSW, North Carolina; DSW, Columbia) is associate director of the Institute and associate professor of sociology. Prof. McDonell’s work focuses primarily on community development of supports for families and youth who live in risky environments. He has a special interest in the generation of assets in poor rural communities through community-based economic development, microenterprises, and Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).
Prof. McDonell led a 3-year research demonstration to examine the effectiveness of a comprehensive, community-based intervention for pregnant and parenting teens in several high-need South Carolina counties. Funded by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, this project examined the impact of various forms of social support, mutual assistance, and economic development on the well-being of teen mothers. He is also involved in the evaluation of programs to reform child protection and mental healthy systems.
Phone: 864.656.6746
Email: jmcdnll@clemson.edu