After more than two decades at Missouri State University, Dr. Susan Dollar, a professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, will retire on Jan. 31, 2025.
Throughout her career, Dollar has promoted rural health initiatives, mentorship and global learning experiences, leaving a lasting impact on students and communities alike.
“Dollar’s career has been defined by her dedication to serving communities, mentoring students and promoting global learning,’ said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, associate dean of McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS). “Her impact on MSU and on the social work profession will be felt for generations to come.”
From the Air Force to social work
Dollar’s path to social work began with her commitment to serving others.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in health services management from the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) in 1981, she served five years as a U.S. Air Force supply officer. This role took her to Florida, Illinois and Germany.
Her time in the Air Force sparked a desire to address broader social challenges and serve underprivileged communities.
“I wanted to make a difference in communities that needed it the most,” Dollar said.
That desire led her to pursue a Master of Social Work from Mizzou in 1990. Upon completion, she spent 10 years working for a nonprofit addressing rural health disparities in southeastern Louisiana.
To further explore her growing interest in rural health and community engagement, Dollar earned a doctorate in social work from Tulane University in 1998. Her research focused on retention in therapeutic communities for polydrug abusers – a critical area in addressing health disparities.
Finding a home at Missouri State
In 2000, a former professor invited Dollar to interview for the assistant professor of social work position at what was then Southwest Missouri State University. The university’s public affairs mission and interdisciplinary approach to education resonated with her.
“I chose Missouri State because of its public affairs mission,” she said. “It aligned with my values and passion for community service, teaching and research.”
Dollar joined the university in 2001, bringing her expertise in rural health and community practice to the classroom. Her hands-on experience enriched her teaching, helping students connect theory to practice through real-world activities.
Reflecting on her 24 years at MSU, Dollar expressed gratitude for her colleagues and students.
“It’s been a great career – I’d give it a 4.8 on a 5.0 scale!” Dollar said.
Empowering communities through education
Dollar became a leading faculty member in community-focused research projects, working with students and other colleagues on grant-funded initiatives. These projects included a health outreach for Latino communities in rural southwest Missouri and computer literacy programs for older adults.
“One of the most notable points in my career was co-writing and managing community health grants funded through the Missouri Foundation for Health,” Dollar said.
The first grant, “Salud Para La Vida (Health for Life),” was worth $305,000 over three years between 2003 to 2006. This project was designed to address Latino health needs in southwest Missouri and train health professionals in rural practice with Latino populations.
The second grant, “Senior Health U (SHU),” was a health literacy grant for older adults funded for $168,000 from 2010 to 2012. Students supported older adults in building computer skills and understanding medical terminology, focusing on using plain language to explain technical information.
One of her proudest achievements came in 2014. She served as a Fulbright Scholar in Russia, where she taught community health at Buryat State University in Ulan Ude, Siberia.
“It was an eye-opening experience, especially working with the Buryat culture,” she said. “The people’s warmth and hospitality left a lasting impression on me.”
A legacy of mentorship and global learning
Dollar’s passion for teaching and mentoring has shaped countless MSU students. She encouraged them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations through practical learning experiences.
Her “Salud Para La Vida” (Health for Life) project involved students providing health screenings.
“Seeing students engage with communities and make a tangible difference was incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Her efforts in engaging students extended beyond Missouri. Dollar led study away trips to Ireland for MCHHS students and accompanied other faculty on trips to Vietnam, Bhutan and Australia. These experiences gave students a global perspective on community health and social work.
She hopes her students remain curious and innovative in their careers.
“I want students to present information and practice from a research-informed perspective,” she said. “Curiosity and ethical practice go hand in hand as they complement each other.”
An emphasis on problem-solving techniques
Dollar encourages students to follow the problem-solving techniques she practices and teaches in social work classes. She strengthens these lessons by sharing insights from her leadership experience as director of the School of Social Work from 2008 to 2012.
“When you work in an organization, there will be inevitable challenges. It’s best when you learn to respond to crisis or unfamiliar situations by using rational problem-solving methods,” she said.
In social work, we are guided by the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics, a set of principles and practices that guide practice.
“We also know how to explore various options and ensure we consult with those most affected by the issue before making a decision. That’s how I’ve tried to conduct myself and deal with problems.”
“If you’re ever lost or stressed in the social work program, the unspoken rule is simple: Go to Dollar,” said Dr. Amanda Keys, associate professor in School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. “She has a way of making you feel seen and valued. When she speaks, her words carry weight and provide guidance that you need.”
Looking ahead: retirement and beyond
As Dollar prepares to retire, she looks forward to spending time on personal projects. These include traveling, fly fishing and working on woodturning and ceramic projects with her wife, Deb.
While she plans to take a year off from volunteering, she remains committed to staying connected to the human services field.
“There are so many service opportunities out there,” she said. “I want to do international volunteer work, but first, I need to find the right nonprofit organization to partner with.”