Donna Leigh Bliss

Associate Professor

B.A., University of Maryland College Park
MSW, University of Maryland Baltimore
Ph.D., University of Maryland Baltimore

dbliss2@uwyo.edu
Health Sciences 216
(307) 766-5426 
DrDonnaBliss.com

Office Hours

Mondays, 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Also by appointment.

Research Interests

• Relationship between spirituality and addiction
• Improving addiction treatment outcomes
• Developing social work practice models
• Nonprofit and cause advocacy using social and multimedia

Teaching Philosophy

I believe excellence in teaching is much more than having information to provide to students, but more a way of relating that transmits a love for learning and a desire to fully engage students in the learning process. By challenging students to go beyond their present level of understanding and explore higher levels of critical thinking, I believe we can best prepare the next generation of social work leaders. 

Biosketch

I was the first person in my family to graduate from college.  As a non-traditional student, I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland College Park in 1989 with a BA in psychology and subsequently got an MSW from the University of Maryland Baltimore in 1991.  After receiving my MSW I worked for many years in a variety of clinical and administrative capacities in the addiction and mental health fields including being a clinical supervisor, psychotherapist, and program director. One of my proudest achievements was in my role in co-creating with another social worker an innovative residential addiction treatment program for homeless persons with AIDS.  I returned to the University of Maryland Baltimore in 2002 to pursue my PhD in social work, which I received in 2005. My first academic position was as an Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at the University of Georgia School of Social Work.  During this time I served as the BSW Program Director, Interim Associate Dean for Administration, Planning, and Evaluation, and MSW Program Director. I began as the Director of the Division of Social Work at the University of Wyoming in July 2013. 

For fun I ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and go camping with my two poodles in my motorhome. I am also an avid bowler, golfer, and enjoy bicycling as well.

Curriculum Vitae