Dr. Debra Gresham

Dr. Debra Gresham is the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director and Associate Professor of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University. Dr. Gresham completed her Ph.D. in Social Work at Florida State University; MSW and BA in Sociology at The University of Georgia.  

During her professional Social Work career, Dr. Gresham coordinated two Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) reaffirmation cycles of the BSW Program at Thomas University, provides therapy to youth and adolescents via school-based services; served as the State of Florida Department of Children & Families as the federal Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Block Grant (SAPTBG) Coordinator; the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coordinator with Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (working with low to moderate income communities and agencies serving those in poverty); and coordinates research projects.  

In her academia career, Dr. Gresham teaches across the Social Work curriculum, and especially enjoy teaching the following classes: Introduction to Social Work, Quantitative & Qualitative Research, Cultural Diversity, Macro Practice, Behavioral Health & Substance Use. 

Dr. Gresham’s research and professional interests include income and health disparities, substance use, survey research, poverty programs, and diversity, equity & inclusion in higher education.