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Marquitta S. Dorsey, PhD, MSW, MBA.

BSW Program Director; Associate Professor

Dr. Dorsey holds a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles; a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work; a Master of Business Administration from American Intercontinental University; and a Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University. Her research employs intersectionality and Black feminist theory to investigate the well-being and health equity of Black females as they navigate various societal systems, including family, community, healthcare, justice and education.
Her professional practice has encompassed after-school programming, youth gang intervention, juvenile justice initiatives, child welfare services, and projects addressing homelessness. These experiences inform her scholarship, which examines Black females’ agency and voice, sexual autonomy and decision-making, paternal involvement, and the historical contexts shaping well-being outcomes.

Dr. Dorsey’s current research is supported by external funding and explores barriers to well-being and the influence of contextual factors such as social media, digital platforms, and systemic involvement. This work aims to advance empowerment-based interventions and frameworks centered on the lived experiences of Black females. She is an American Fellow of the American Association of University Women and a Changemaker Scholar with the Society for Family Planning.

Research Interests

  • Exploring and investigating the role of contextual factors and systemic structures sexual health and wellbeing outcomes for Black females who live in urban communities
  • Understanding the role of paternal engagement with sexual health behaviors and outcomes for Black females
  • Exploring and examining the role of systemic factors, including community, educational and justice system involvement, most relevant to the lived experiences of 21st century Black females
  • Intervention development considering the wellbeing of Black females lived experiences
  • Qualitative and Quantitative research methodology"

Courses Taught

  • SOWK 200: Intro to Social Work
  • SOWK 303: Group Work in Social Work Practice
  • SOWK 305: Human Behavior in the Social Environment
  • SOWK 619: Issues in Treatment with Women
  • SOWK 818: Research Methods
  • SOWK 828: Doctoral Teaching Seminar