Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Degree: Ph.D., The University of Georgia

Specialties:

• Individual and Family Therapy
• Expressive Arts
• Sexual and Gender Identity

Biography: Denise L. Levy, Ph.D., LCSW, REACE currently serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Beaver College of Health Sciences. She is also a Professor in the Department of Social Work; Affiliate Faculty in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies; and a Research Affiliate with the Blue Cross NC Institute for Health and Human Services.

Dr. Levy began working at Appalachian State University in 2008 and has taught courses in both the MSW and BSW Programs, including Advanced Social Work Practice with Families, Cultural Competence in the Helping Professions, and field seminars. She previously served as the BSW Program Director and MSW Program Director.

Utilizing qualitative methods, Dr. Levy’s research focuses on how LGBTQ individuals with a Christian upbringing resolve conflict between sexual/gender identity and religious beliefs. She is an ally and advocate and believes in the power of bridge building and intergroup dialogue to foster understanding and acceptance.

When she is not working, Dr. Levy enjoys cooking, gardening, listening to music, running, creating art with her expressive arts writing group, traveling to Disney World, and spending time with her husband, Daniel, and their cat Ruby. She likes to cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves, New Orleans Saints and Appalachian State Mountaineers.