Ashley Morris

Orlando, Florida

College:

College of Community Innovation and Education

Degree Program:

Public Affairs PhD, Social Work Track

Research Focus:

Lived experiences of black women parenting a child diagnosed with a mental illness

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From a young age, Ashley Morris has been passionate about mental health. She is conscious of how social and systemic inequalities can impede the ability to support loved ones with mental health issues and understands those struggles firsthand. Now, she dedicates her time to helping others who are also struggling.

Morris earned her bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences before pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Toledo. During the last semester of her master’s program, her younger brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Though her mother has a master’s degree in counseling, they felt unprepared for the road ahead and were unsure how to support him best. 

“My mother worked relentlessly to acquire adequate support and resources for him, and I am confident her efforts saved his life,” Morris says. “The journey has fueled my research interests, and I am passionate about enhancing the support and resources available to minoritized communities in areas of concentrated disadvantage.”

Currently, Morris is working on her PhD in Public Affairs at UCF. The focus of her dissertation research is examining the lived experiences of black women parenting a child diagnosed with a mental illness. “I want to learn about their experiences navigating health systems, parenting practices, family dynamics, and resilience factors,” she says. Through her work, she aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by marginalized families coping with mental illness.

Morris knew she wanted to pursue her doctoral degree at a university engaged in rigorous research where she would have the opportunity to partner with professors and students who have similar interests, which led her to UCF. “I wanted to examine how the organizational policies and practices of mental health service providers impact the lived experiences of those affected by my mental illness, and the public affairs program offered a social work track, which allowed me to do just that,” she says.

For her work, Morris has received various awards during her doctoral studies. Last year, she received the Sheila B. Somerville Endowed Fellowship, awarded to non-traditional full-time students who demonstrate strong leadership qualities, a commitment to their field of study, and an exemplary academic record. Phi Alpha Alpha Honors Society recognized her for her outstanding public affairs and public administration scholarship. Most recently, Morris won first place during UCF’s annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and will represent the university at upcoming regional and statewide competitions.

Morris appreciates the valuable opportunities and support she has received throughout her studies at UCF. Working as a graduate research assistant helped her sharpen her research and writing skills to the level required for publication, while her graduate teaching assistantship allowed her to practice her teaching skills and led to her being offered a graduate teaching associate position as the instructor of record. “The professors I have worked with are invaluable resources, and their guidance has helped me to build my skill level and, subsequently, my confidence to pursue a career in academia,” she says. 

Along with her devotion to research and teaching, Morris is dedicated to her children, whom she credits as her motivation for completing her PhD. “I made the decision early in the program to be intentional about prioritizing them,” she says. Her professors, fortunately, advised her to establish her own pace, set priorities, and avoid getting caught up in what everyone else is doing. Their advice allowed her to support her children while navigating the program successfully. “It helped me keep things in perspective,” she says. “My children have seen the work I've put in, and they will be so excited to see me walk across the stage!”

After she graduates this May, Morris plans to continue engaging in meaningful mental health research as a professor while preparing future social workers to enter the field. “I plan to take my passion and skills to a university that values student experiences, diversity, and research centered on the needs of minoritized populations,” she says.

Highlights:

• UCF Three Minute Thesis (3MT) 2023 First Place winner
• Sheila B. Somerville Endowed Fellowship recipient
• Phi Alpha Alpha Honors Society award for outstanding scholarship in public affairs and administration