Tomarra received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Pan African Studies in 1995; her Master of Science in Social Work in 1997; and her doctorate in Social Work from the joint program at University of Kentucky/University of Louisville in 2004. 

Throughout her UofL career, Dr. Adams has worked on issues of diversity and retention in higher education with a specific focus on issues impacting Black students at predominantly White institutions; identity development; and interpersonal relationships. She has taught courses in African American Women, The Color Complex of Black Women, Teaching for Social Justice, The Black Student Experience, and Black Sexual Politics. She has also been an advisor to the UofL National Pan-Hellenic Council; the Society of Porter Scholars; the C.O.N.E.C.T. Program; and the Future Scholars Program. Since 1998,  Dr. Adams has been  a member of  the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and currently serves as an Academic Advisor to that group. She is also a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors, the Louisville Association of Black Social Workers, and the National Council of Black Studies, among others.

As a sought after teacher and presenter, Dr. Adams remains active in the Louisville community. She was a presenter at the 2007 Sistah’s Summit; and an advisor to the 2003 collaborative report on The State of African American Youth in Metro Louisville. She has also presented on racism and cultural awareness for groups as diverse as the Bingham Child Guidance  Clinic; the Louisville Free Public Library; and Court Appointed Special Advocates.

For her commitment to ensuring the academic success and well-being of minority students – and particularly minority women - in predominately White institutions and her effort to create a welcoming campus climate for all students, faculty and staff, Dr. Tomarra Adams is a true Champion4Her.