Dr. Carmelita L. Dotson, MSSW, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor and BSW Coordintaor in the Department of Social Work at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Health Education from Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Tennessee with a concentration in Administration and Planning. Dr. Dotson earned her doctorate degree from Tennessee State University's College of Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Dotson has 38 years of practice experience in organizational development and management, cultural diversity practice, child welfare, and adoption and families. She is a faculty advisor for MTSU’s National Association for Black Social Workers (NABSW) student chapter. Her research interests are effective methods to assess student learning, learning formats for student achievement, service-learning strategies, and inclusive teaching. Other interests are in student food insecurity, disparities in health, social and economic justice, child welfare, cultural competence practice and policy, and culture vs climate in organizational settings, and community needs.

Dr. Dotson began her journey at MTSU in 2002, first serving as a teaching assistant and adjunct faculty in the Department of Social Work. In 2004, she became a full-time employee at MTSU and served as the Child Welfare Coordinator in the Department of Social Work's Title.
IVE program, as well as an Adjunct faculty member. In 2010, Dr. Dotson became a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Social, thus beginning her full-time teaching career. She has taught and developed face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses. She infuses technology into all courses taught, regardless of the modality, to accommodate the various learning styles of the student population.

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Peer-Reviewed Publications

• Dotson, C.L., Postlethwait, A., & Sullenberger, S. (Submitted 2023, November 29; accepted 2024, February 16). Preparation for change: Shared voices of pedagogy and personal reflections. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping. 
• Jones, V. N., McElderry, C. G., McNary, L.M., Dotson, C. L., & Frazier, K. (2023, September). Social work advocacy for Black reparations: Social Work & Policy Studies: Social Justice, Practice and Theory. 6(1) 25-48. 
• Gibson-McCrary, D. & Dotson, C. (2023, February 14). The challenges associated with Alzheimer’s and caregiving. Open Access Journal of Addiction and Psychology, l6(4): 2023. OAJAP.MS.ID.000641. DOI: 10.33552/OAJAP.2023.06.000641  
• Dotson, C.L. (2021, December). The essential for peer mentoring: COVID-19 and beyond. The Chronicle of Mentoring and Coaching, 5(14), 557-563.
• Vogel, E.L., Dotson, C., Johnson, B., Kendall-Arrighi, N., de Casal, C., Harris, C., Guthrie, L.R., & Hunter, J.M. (2018, February). The dual role of service-learning in higher education: Curriculum development and professional development. Serve InDEED, 5(2), 17-20.
• Dotson, C., Davidson, W. & Rich, T. (2017, January). Normal anxiety of pregnancy. International Journal of Childbirth Education. 32(1), 13-15.   
• Pharris, A., Bucchio, J., Dotson, C., & Davidson, W. (2016, July). Supporting lesbian couples during pregnancy. International Journal of Childbirth Education. 31(3), 23-24.
• Dotson, C. L. (2015, Summer). Addressing racial disproportionality and disparities in human services. The New Social Worker Magazine, 3, 32-33.
• Turnage, B. & Dotson, C. (2011). Parenting of female African American infants by their primary caretakers. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 27(1), 54-57.

Publisher Reviews

     Brooks Cole  

• Textbook Review (2015, June). Kirst-Ashman, K.K. & Hull, G.H. Empowerment series: Generalist practice with organizations and communities (7th ed).  
• Textbook Review (2014, September 14). Kirst-Ashman, K.K. Human behavior in the macro social environment: An empowerment approach in understanding communities, organizations, and groups (2nd ed).  

     Cognella, Inc.  

• Textbook Chapter Review (2025, January). DiLauro, M.D. & Clossey, L. Integrative approaches in social work. 
• Book Proposal Review (2022, April 15). Adedoyin, C., Amutah-Onukagha, N., & Jones, C.D. Culturally responsive and equitable evaluation: Visions and voices of emerging scholars.  

     Columbia University Press  

• Textbook Review (2015, April 12). R. Fong, A. Dettlaff, J. James, & C. Rodriguez. Addressing racial disproportionality and disparities in human services.  

     Pearson  

• Textbook Review (2017, October). Sheafor, B.W. & Horejsi, C.L Techniques and guidelines for social work practice.   

     Routledge/Taylor and Francis

• Textbook Review (2024, December). Adams, M., Bell, L.A., Goodman, D.J., Shasko, D., Briggs, R.R. & Pacheco, R. Teaching for diversity and social justice (5th ed.). 

     Sage  

• Textbook Review (2018, September). Ryle, R. Questioning gender: A sociological exploration (3rd ed).  
• Textbook Chapter Proposal Review (2017, March) Hutchison, E.D. Dimensions of human behavior: Person and environment (3rd ed).  
• Textbook Chapter Proposal Review (2016, October). Author unknown. Social work with diverse populations: A risk and resilience approach.  
• Textbook Chapter Proposal Review (2016, June 6). O’Neal, G.S.  From oppression to inclusion: Social workers advancing change.  

Other Publications  

• Dotson, C. (2011). MTSU’s Department of Social Work Newsletter. Murfreesboro, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2007). Parent Resource Calendar for South Central Resource Conference and Resource Directory, Columbia, TN.  

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National and International Presentations

• D’Angelo, K., Smoyera A, Dotson, C., & Peralta, J. (2024, March 6-10). Ethics and empathy: Navigating role tensions of BSW academic administrators in the neo-pandemic era. Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors conference, New Orleans, LA. 
• Gibson, D., Dotson, C.L., & Coble, S. (2024, March 6-10). How religion impacts attitudes towards gay and lesbian inclusion and child adoption. Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors conference, New Orleans, LA. 
• Harden, V., Dotson, C., & Widup, A. (2023, October 26-29). Strengthening empathy and addressing stigma through interprofessional simulation exercises. 2023 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, GA. 
• Gibson, D. & Dotson, C.L. (2022, November 12). African Americans plight from Civil Rights to DEI in society: The importance of self-care. 2022 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Anaheim, CA. 
• Gibson, D. & Dotson, C.L. (2022, March 17-22). DEI and self-care. Mediterranean Region Counselor Association Hybrid Conference, Naples, Italy. [Virtual]  
• Dotson, C.L., Postlethwait, A., & Sullenberger, S. (2021, November 5). Continuing growth: Exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion development opportunities for field instructors. 2021 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Orlando, FL  
• Dotson, C.L. (2021, October 21). The essential for peer mentoring: COVID-19 and beyond. 14th Annual Mentoring Conference. The Mentoring Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. [Virtual]  
• Dotson, C., Jones, N., & Harden, V. (2019, October). Implications for integrating service-learning pedagogy into undergraduate social work education. 2019 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO. 
• Harden, V., Jones, N., & Dotson, C. (2019, October). Supporting a trauma-informed campus through interdisciplinary curriculum development. 2019 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.  
• Dotson, C., Postlethwait, A., & Fallon, S. (2017, May). Out of the ivory tower into the community: Service learning and community engagement. Classroom Innovation. Association for General and Liberal Studies 57th Annual Conference, Innovations and Best Practices for Sustaining General Education, Memphis, TN. 
• Postlethwait, A., Rand, A., Dotson, C., Pilgrim, S., Pharris, A., & Sullenberger, S. (2017, April 17-19). Out of the ivory tower and into the community: Service learning and community engagement. Resilience Conference 2017, Nashville, TN. 
• Postlethwait, A., Rand, A., Pilgrim, S., & Dotson, C. (2016, April 13-15). Service learning and community-based research: Implementation, benefits, challenges, and future directions. Gulf South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education. Savannah, GA. Paper 20.

National Poster Presentations 

• Story, C., Dotson, C., & Dowell, D. (2024, October 27-30 ). Building community trust and capacity for mental health through culturally appropriate assessment. American Public Health Association 2024 Annual Meeting & Expo, Minneapolis, MN. https://apha.confex.com/apha/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Person/2908004  
• Jones, N., Harden, V. & Dotson, C. (2019, October). Impact on sleep on academic performance between BSW versus non-BSW students. 2019 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.

Regional and Local Presentations 

• Dopwell, D., Dotson, C.L., & Story, C.R. (2021, April 16). Viewing COVID response in Tennessee through the lens of Salutogenic Model. Ninth Social Work Symposium, Social Work: Rebuilding Our World, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.  
• Dotson, C., Fallon, S. & Postlethwait, A. (February 2019). Service learning and community engagement: A solution for meeting community needs. 2019 Tennessee Conference on Volunteerism and Service-Learning, Franklin, TN. 
• Turnage, B.F., Blake, M.E., Dotson, C., & Thompson, J. (2017, April 21). Bullying as a precursor to suicide. Fifth Social Work Symposium, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (1994). The Nashville Center for Black Family Life’s African American male dropout prevention program. Department of Education, Model Drop Out Prevention Programs, Memphis, TN.

Regional and Local Poster Presentations 

• Norment, C., Falcofsky, S., Feyka, A., & Dotson, C.L. (2021, March 31). HB0003/SB0228: Transgender athletes. Virtual 2021 Social Work Day on the Hill: Social Workers are Essential. National Association of Social Workers-TN Chapter, Nashville, TN. 
• Jones, V.N., Dotson, C.L., Dopwell, D., Hyberger, A., Lauderdale, C., Lindgren, K., & Storm, P. (2019, February). The village: Cultivating active citizenship among undergraduate social work students. 2019 Tennessee Conference on Volunteerism and Service-Learning poster, Franklin, TN. [student-faculty poster presentation].

Invited Presentations

Middle Tennessee State University  

• Dotson, C.L. (2024, August 27). Introduction to Core Competencies and the Grand Challenges.
• Gibson, D. & Dotson, C. (2023, February 28). Film Screening of Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, Peacock Original, Department of Social Work.  
• Dotson, C.L. (2022, October 20). Health Program Planning: Community Program Planning Principles; HLTH 6860: Program Planning for Health Promotion, Community and Public Health. 
• Woods, L., Stephens, M., & Dotson, C.L. (2022, April 15). Inclusive teaching faculty learning community panel. Learning Teaching and Innovative Technologies Center.  
• Dotson, C.L. & Postlethwait, A. (2022, February 22). Diversity, equity, and inclusion needs of social workers. Department of Social Work Black Month Series.  
• Dotson, C.L. & Chevrette, R. (2021, April 15). Creating and equity, diversity, and inclusion statement. Learning Teaching and Innovative Technologies Center.  
• Dotson, C.L., Gaines, S., Lane, T., Scott, S., Alexander, L., & Wiley, L. (2021, March 25). The essentials: Transitioning from college to the workforce panel discussion. Department of Social Work. 
• Gibson-McCrary, D. & Dotson, C.L. (2021, March 5). Essentials of self-care in social work. Department of Social Work.  
• Dotson, C.L. & Keener, A. (2021, March 4). Murfreesboro public transit system research. Social Workers are Essential to Research and Community Engagement. Department of Social Work. 
• Ore, E., Chevrette, R., Hoskins, N., & Dotson, C.L. (2020, October 21). A conversation about racism: Connecting the past to the present. MT Engage.
• Dotson, C. (2021, February; 2019, September). Pathways to success. Department of Social Work, MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2019, November). Inclusive teaching. Leadership Team Presentation. College of Basic and Applied Sciences.  
• Dotson, C., Voss, W., & Nixon, C. (2019, November). Social Work Practice I grant proposal defense. Department of Social Work. [committee member]   
• Jones, N. & Dotson, C. (September 2019-April 2020). Inclusive Teaching Faculty Learning Community.  
• Dotson, C. (April 2019; September 2018). Professional learning community: Becoming an MT Engage major pathway. Department of Social Work.
• Dotson, C., Sanborn, J., & Sherr, M. (2017, May). Professionals taking care (PTC). College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, MT Engage week campus event.  
• Dotson, C. (2015, March 4) Data and diversity, SW3120: Data Analysis for Social Work Practice, Department of Social Work.  
• Dotson, C. (2004-2010). Child Welfare Title IV Program. [social work classroom presentations]  

Regional and Local 

• Dotson, C.L. (2023, March 15). Virtual Book Discussion Righteous Self-Determination: The Black Social Work Movement in America by Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt. DSW Program, Spalding University, Louisville, KY. 
• Thessien, K, Johnson, J., & Dotson, C.L. (2022, September 24). Our health our story: This is what resilience looks like. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter, Murfreesboro, TN.  
• Dotson, C.L. (2021, October 12). Up Close and Personal; Work, Life Balance. DSW students, Spalding University, Louisville, KY  
• Dotson, C. (2017, May). Does instructional delivery mode impact student achievement in an undergraduate social work degree program. Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN. 
• Alshahrani, F., Dotson, C., Johnson, J. Moore, D. & Wang, J. (2014, December 8). CREED: Criteria for responsibly evaluating effective institutional diversity in higher education. Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2014, November 15). Leadership self-assessment. Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN. 
• Bauer, R., Bignall, S., Dotson, C., Ingle, H., Lovin, E., Johnson, J., Sampson, T., & Sesay, B. (2014, April 30 and May 5). From recruitment to graduation: A geospatial perspective review of prospect & student data at Cumberland University. Cumberland University, Nashville and Lebanon, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2014, July 2). Organizational analysis of Middle Tennessee State University. Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2014, May 1). U.S. undocumented K-12 students: Equal protection, equal opportunity, and access. TSU, Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2014, February). Social media and relationships. First Southeast District Youth and Young Adults Conference Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2013, November 20). Lottery for education: Comparison of Kentucky and Tennessee. Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2013, August 6). The impact of online vs traditional classroom course delivery. Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2013, February 16). Adapting to the culture without adopting the lifestyle. First Southeast District Youth and Young Adults Conference, Montgomery Bell State Park, Dickson, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2012, August 11). The role of evangelism in our work as missionaries. St. Luke CME Church, Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2007-2010). Title IV-E program at Middle Tennessee State University. Columbia State Community College, Columbia, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (1996). Cultural diversity and competency. Metro Social Services, Nashville, TN.

Invited Trainings

• Dotson, C. (2021, September). Adjunct orientation. Department of Social Work, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.   
• Dotson, C. (2017, March 8). Inclusive components: Using core values-commitment, justice, diversity, integrity, compassion. Volunteers of America Mid States. Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (2009). Professional development for coach’s community action poverty simulation, Tennessee Center for Child Welfare Learning and Staff Development, Nashville, TN.  
• Dotson, C. (1997). Development of a nonprofit agency. St. Mary Medical Center/New Life Center, Gary, IN.

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Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN

• 2024, Nominated, Outstanding Online Faculty
• 2024, 20 Years Service Award
• 2023, 2020, Nominated, John Pleas Award
• 2010-2023, Influential Faculty Member, Office of the Vice President-Student Affairs and Vice Provost-Enrollment and Academic Services   
• 2021-2022, Faculty Fellow, Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technologies Center. https://w1.mtsu.edu/ltanditc/faculty_fellows.php
• 2021, Influential Faculty Member recognition by a student, MTSU Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
• 2020, Honorary Mace Bearer, Fall 2020 Graduation Ceremonies, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs,                     https://www.mtsu.edu/graduation/CommencementWEB202080
• 2019-2020, Receipient, Outstanding Teacher Award, https://www.mtsu.edu/graduation/CommencementWEB202080
• 2019, 15 Years Service Award
• 2018-2019, Nominated, Outstanding Teacher Award
• 2014, 10 Years Service Award
• 2012-2013, Influential Faculty member, Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
• 2009, 5 Years Service Award 

National

• 2023-2024, Program Directory Academy, Cohort 6, Council on Social Work Education
• 1990, Institute on Black Chemical Abuse, Minneapolis, MN

State

• 2022, Social Work Educator of the Year, National Association of Social Work, Middle TN Branch, Nashville, TN

Local

• 2023, Tempest Award honoree, 2020/2023 Equi Tea American Association of University Women (AAUW) Murfreesboro (TN) Branch
• 2020, Graduation Recognition, First Episcopal District of the CME Church
• 2014, Inducted into Alpha Kappa Nu National Honor Society, Tennessee State University. Nashville, TN
• 2014, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Work with Youth and Young Adults, St. Luke CME Church. Nashville, TN
• 2013, Recognition, Center for Adoption/Family and Children’s Service, Power of the Purse Luncheon, Women’s Fund, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, First Tennessee Bank, Nashville, T
• 1991-1992, Field Instructor Certificate of Appreciation, University of Tennessee, College of Social Work (Nashville Branch), Nashville, TN
• 1991, Certificate of Appreciation, Volunteerism in Substance Abuse Reduction, Office of the Mayor, Nashville, TN
• 1987, Certificate of Recognition, United Way of Middle Tennessee, Nashville, TN

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Research Projects

• Story, C.R., Dotson, C., Dopwell, D., Coble, S., & Paiva de Oliverira, J. Building community capacity to address mental health in non-white populations in the context of COVID-19. MTSU (IRB Protocol in progress).  
• Dotson, C.L., Postlethwait, A., & Sullenberger, S. Understanding organizational opportunities for development related to diversity, equity, and inclusion of social work field instructors (in progress), Department of Social Work, Middle Tennessee State University (IRB Protocol ID 21-2152-8qv; 05-26-21/05-31-23)  
• Dopwell, D. Dotson, C.L., Keener, A. Clark, C. & Hermosa, J. (2021). Murfreesboro public transit system research.
• Dotson, C.L. (2019). The effects of learning formats on student achievement in an undergraduate social work program. ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI22584839.

Grants

• 2024-2025, Experiential Learning (EXL) Faculty Grant, MTSU ($350)
• 2023-2024, Faculty Start-up Research funds, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), MTSU, ($13,000)
• 2023-2024, Graduate Program Professional Learning Community (Co-PI), MT Engage, MTSU ($5,000)
• 2023-2024, Access and Diversity Funds, Institutional Equity and Compliance, MTSU ($700)
• 2023, Faculty Leadership Support (CSWE Program Directory Academy), Office of the University Provost, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, MTSU ($1,500)
• 2022-2023 Instructional Enhancement Grant, Office of the University Provost, Department of Social Work, MTSU ($5,325)
• 2022-2023, Faculty/Experiential Learning (EXL) Instructor Grant, Experiential Learning Scholars Program, Department of Social Work ($613.30) 
• 2022-2023, Faculty Start-up Research funds, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), MTSU, ($13,000)
• 2022-2023, Access and Diversity Funds, Institutional Equity and Compliance, MTSU ($700)
• 2022-2024, TN Department of Health (Co-PI), COVID-19 national initiative to address COVID-19 health disparities ($72,000)
• 2022, Marketing Grant, MT Engage, MTSU ($1,000)
• 2021-2022, Distinguished Lecture Fund, MTSU ($2,000)
• 2021-2022, Professional Learning Community Grant, MT Engage, MTSU ($6,000)
• 2021-2022, Faculty Travel Grant, Office of the University Provost, MTSU ($1,766)
• 2021, MT Engage Week Grant, MTSU ($1,000)
• 2019-2000, Inclusive Teaching Faculty Learning Community, MTSU ($6,400)
• 2018-2019, Professional Learning Community, MT Engage, MTSU ($8,000)
• 2017, MT Engage Week Grant, MTSU ($1,200)
• 2015, University Student Activity Fee Grant, MTSU’s student chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers ($1,700; four students traveled to the National Conference of the National Association of Black Social Workers in Chicago, IL
• 2012, University Student Activity Fee Grant, MTSU’s chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers ($1,700); The Life of Arthur Shores featuring Judge Helen Shores Lee and Barbara Shores
• 2011, University Student Activity Fee Grant, MTSU’s student chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Department of Social Work,  Office of Equity and Compliance, MTSU ($2,600) 

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• Story, C. & Dotson, C. (2023, November 29). Minority health. MTSU on WGNS. Murfreesboro, TN. https://mtsunews.com/wgns-action-line-nov2023/  
• Story, C. & Dotson, C. (2023, November 10). Minority health. MTSU e-RECORD Top News Stories: Nov. 8-15, 2023. Murfreesboro, TN. https://t.e2ma.net/click/ximxsf/tnnic9d/d7fdpq  
• Dotson, C. (2021, July). Learning from each other: It takes a village to engage students with high-impact, inclusive teaching. MTSU On the Record, Murfreesboro, TN. https://soundcloud.com/mtsu  
• Dopwell, D., Harden, V., & Dotson, C.L. (2021, March 8). Social work as social justice: Increasing equity within underserved populations. Honors College Lecture Series. MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN. [panel presenter] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBv5MH3eZUI&t=110s
• Dotson, C.L. (2021, February 3). The Black family: Representation, identity, and diversity: The impact of parenting: Humanity, humility, and hope. Warren County Tennessee Black History Month Celebration Black History Month Program, Warren County, McMinnville, TN. [https://youtube/08OS6lM3jSU]  
• Dotson, C.L. (2021, January 26), True Blue Give 2021-Social Work. MTSU's True Blue Give 2021, Murfreesboro, TN

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• SW 2570: Introduction to Social Work
• SW 2750: Introduction to Substance Abuse 
• SW 3000: Social Policy
• SW 3040: Financial Capability
• SW 3050: Women and Poverty
• SW 3060: Case Management 
• SW 3161: Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
• SW 3170: Family Caregiving: Across the Life Span 
• SW 3200: Cultural Diversity: Competency for Practice
• SW 4031: Child Welfare Services II
• SW 4582: Social Work: Practice III
• SW 4590: Field Instrucion I
• SW 4680: Field Instruction II
• SW 4690: Integrative Seminar in Social Work 
• SW 4800: Special Projects
• SW 6000: MSW Practice II
• SW 6100: Social Justice and Equity for Multicultural Populations
• SW 6230: Advanced Macro Practice

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