Dorothy F. Garrison-Wade joined the School of Education & Human Development in 2004. She has made a major impact to the Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies (ALPS) program (currently named LEO). In 2013, she joined the Dean's Team as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and provides support to faculty.

Prior to joining CU Denver, Dr. Garrison-Wade served in public and private schools as a secondary school principal, counselor, secondary and postsecondary teacher and researcher.

These experiences spur her research agenda that targets inequitable and unfair educational opportunities for individuals, based on race, disability, gender, or social status. Dorothy’s publications and presentations in educational leadership challenge the oppressive racial structure within society and advocate transformation in social structures and institutions that subordinate people of color.