Faculty Biographical Sketches
Dr. Deneen M. Harris’ Faculty Bio
Dr. Deneen M. Harris, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work. She began her teaching at WestConn in 2008. Dr. Harris holds bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Administration of Justice from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Alabama.
Dr. Harris has had several years of teaching experience in three of the four foundation areas; Research, Practice, and Human Behavior. She has taught at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Beyond providing instruction in the areas referenced above, Dr. Harris takes great pride in her efforts to work collaboratively with students relative to practice and research opportunities. She has worked collaboratively with students on a community outreach project designed to provide HIV/AIDS education to various groups including older adults. She have has co-presented research projects with students at various national and local conferences.
As a social work practitioner, Dr. Harris’ professional career has involved providing services to families and children. She has worked as a mental health provider and child welfare practitioner. She has also served as a child welfare consultant for the State of Alabama. Dr. Harris works with support groups for grandparents caring for grandchildren and adults living with HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Harris’ research agenda is directly linked to her work as a child welfare practitioner and a social work educator. She has published in the area of child welfare. Dr. Harris is currently involved in projects which focus on social work education and HIV/AIDS among older African-Americans.
