Tracy Morris, Ph.D.

Dr. Morris received her B.S. (1986) and M.S. (1987) degrees from Pittsburg State University (Kansas) and her doctorate from the University of Mississippi (1992). She completed internship training and postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina, specializing in clinical child psychology. She joined the faculty at West Virginia University in 1993. 

Dr. Morris was awarded the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Researcher Award in 2002, was named Woodburn Professor for 2005-2007, and received the Benedum Distinguished Scholar Award in 2006. In 2009 she was named Eberly Distinguished Professor of Teaching and in 2017 Eberly Distinguished Professor for Leadership Development. 

Dr. Morris served as Chair of the Department of Psychology from 2010-2013, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies, and Outreach for the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS) from 2013-2017, Interim Director for the School of Social Work from 2017-2018, ECAS Senior Advisor for Leadership Development and Special Initiatives from 2017-2018, and Dean of the College of Education and Human Services from 2018-2022. She currently serves the university as Associate Provost for Academic Personnel. 

Research Interests

Aligned with her role in academic administration, Dr. Morris’ research currently focuses on leadership development. 

Previously her research primarily was in the area of developmental psychopathology, with a special interest in social behavior including the influence of parenting and peer-relations on the development, maintenance, and expression of social anxiety.

An avid film buff, Dr. Morris’ other interests outside of psychology include creative writing, world history, existential philosophy, politics, and modern art.

Courses