Carey Usher, PhD

BA, Converse College; MA, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dr. Carey Usher is vice president of student engagement at MBU, after serving the university community in a variety of roles, including associate professor of sociology, dean of the Mary Baldwin College for Women, and associate provost for academic affairs and student success.

Originally from South Carolina, Usher came to Mary Baldwin in 2001 after completing her graduate work at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her dissertation research examined effects of neighborhood context and social capital on physical and mental health. Current research extends this study, focusing on social capital and community investment in high poverty areas. Her research and teaching interests include medical sociology, community and urban sociology, and research methodology. She is a strong supporter of women’s leadership, having completed her undergraduate degree at Converse College.

In the surrounding community, Usher is an avid volunteer, having worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), and Foster Love Ministries, with whom she became familiar during her family’s own foster care journey. She and her husband, Bryan, are parents to 12 sons.