Dorothy Wallis

Biography

Dr. Dorothy Wallis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and a Faculty Fellow of the Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) at Utah State University. Dorothy received a PhD in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, an MSW from Columbia University, and a BSW from Belmont University. Her work is centered on her practice experience working in non-profits with individuals with substance use disorders. This experience has led her to research that promotes holistic community well-being, centered on community needs, because thriving communities lead to strong individuals. Dorothy’s various projects have included ones on food security, housing and homelessness, LGBTQ+ community building and organization, and access to treatment for substance use and trauma. She often incorporates these projects into coursework and hopes to foster a love for research and community building in her social work students. Dorothy lives in Hyrum with her husband, Gordon, her three-year-old daughter, Maggie, her two dogs (Peach and Pickle), and a mild nuisance of a cat (Ringo). Dorothy spent enough time in Tennessee to fall in love with Dolly Parton, and if you linger outside her office long enough, she’ll happily explain why Dolly is the greatest human among us. In her spare time, she can be found with Maggie at many of Cache County’s playgrounds and splashpads (no matter the weather) or dancing to Danny Go.