Toni Morris

Toni Morris is a faculty member in the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences at the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Public Health. She holds an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction (2015), an MFA in Acting (1999), an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling (1989), and a B.S. in Nursing (1982), all from WVU. Her professional journey includes over 29 years as an operating room nurse at WVU Hospital until 2010, and teaching since 2001 in the Department of Community Medicine.

Her research focuses on human sexuality education, health awareness strategies, and innovative storytelling methods for educational impact. She emphasizes community engagement and classroom techniques that foster lasting student connections. A proud first-generation college graduate, Morris advocates for students navigating higher education without familial guidance, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming educational barriers.

Morris is particularly proud of earning her doctorate during a challenging period following her husband's cancer-related death. She highlights the importance of lifelong learning and encourages students to embrace university opportunities. Her personal interests include reading, movies, and travel, with Italy cited as a memorable destination.

Though no specific grants or labs are mentioned, her teaching philosophy centers on student mentorship and the transformative power of education, evidenced by students recalling lessons years later. She actively promotes narratives of resilience among first-generation students through her advocacy and storytelling initiatives.