Debra Harley

Debra Harley, Ph.D., CRC, LPC, is a Professor at the University of Kentucky (UK) in the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education. She holds affiliations with the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies, African American Studies and Research Program, and the Center on Research on Violence Against Women. Previously, she served as Chair of her department and taught at Eastern Illinois University.

Dr. Harley holds a B.A. in Psychology (1981) and M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling (1983) from South Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. in Special Education from Southern Illinois University (1992). Her research focuses on cultural diversity, LGBTQ+ issues, substance abuse, aging, ethics, and rehabilitation counseling. She has authored over 85 journal articles, 45 book chapters, and two books, and has edited major journals in her field.

Her awards include the National Council on Rehabilitation Education Educator of the Year (2006), Sylvia Walker Education Award (2001), and Provost’s Outstanding Teaching Award (2002). She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, with governance experience in the Council on Rehabilitation Education and Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Dr. Harley’s academic service spans teaching in UK’s Honors Program, Discovery Seminar, Women’s Studies, and Special Education, alongside her core role in Rehabilitation Counseling. Her work integrates advocacy for marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ elderly and individuals with disabilities.