Whitney Hollins, PhD

Youth Studies Faculty Academic Program Coordinator

Whitney Q. Hollins, PhD is a dedicated researcher with expertise in conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups, specializing in exploring the lived experiences of overlooked and understudied communities. Her research uses critical theory to unpack complex social issues, aiming to amplify the voices of underrepresented populations and inform change through nuanced data analysis. Dr. Hollins' work primarily focuses on issues related to mass incarceration, education, youth development, and equity in the workforce. She is particularly interested in how people who sit at the intersection of multiple identities interact with the world. She is the author of the book Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents in Schools: Foregrounding Youth Voices to Increase Educational Support. Dr. Hollins currently serves as Academic Faculty Coordinator and Lecturer in the Youth Studies Department at the CUNY School of Professional Studies. She also acts as an advisor to Osborne’s Justice Across Generations Initiative and the Council of State Governments’ Corrections & Reentry Department. In 2019, she received a proclamation and citation from the New York State Assembly for her research and work with children of incarcerated parents.

Recent news

CUNY SPS student working at a desk.

Five CUNY SPS Faculty Awarded Open Educational Resources Grant

September 17, 2026

To expand their cost-saving work for CUNY SPS students, several faculty members received grants to redesign their courses and replace proprietary textbooks with customized open educational resources.

How to Keep Students Engaged

July 31, 2025

CUNY SPS Blog on Medium

As part of the CUNY SPS blog series spotlighting the CUNY SPS Youth Studies faculty, instructor and youth nonprofit administrator Eris Johnson-Smith was interviewed by Youth Studies Associate Professor Dr. Whitney Hollins. In the interview, Johnson-Smith discusses the pedagogical approaches that guide his teaching. Most importantly, Johnson-Smith reflects upon the importance of building connections and having fun.
Photo of Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt

New Scholarship Will Support Youth Studies Students to Realize their Educational Dreams

April 03, 2025

Named after Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, a pioneer in the field of youth development, the scholarship will offer financial support to eligible BA and MA Youth Studies students.
Elizabeth Bishop

Makers of Their Own Experience: A Longtime Youth Studies Educator Reflects Back on the Field

February 27, 2025

CUNY SPS Blog on Medium

In this post from the award-winning CUNY SPS blog, a video interview is showcased with Youth Studies Associate Professor Dr. Whitney Hollins, who talks with her colleague Dr. Elizabeth Bishop. During their conversation, they discuss the importance of conducting youth-focused research and what’s next on the agenda for the CUNY SPS Youth Studies programs.
CUNY SPS Youth Studies Professor Whitney Hollins

Positive Youth Development and Disability in OST Settings

November 19, 2024

YouTube

In this video, CUNY SPS BA in Youth Studies student Natalie Green, who is the Director of Community Action Programs at the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), interviews Associate Professor Dr. Whitney Hollins about her course, YS 308 - Critical Disability: A Youth Studies Perspective.