1
Vivian J. Dorsett, Ph.D.
24414 Jumping Jay Drive
Hockley, Texas 77447
410 E Dallas, Cooper, Texas 75432
903.217.9308
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Juvenile Justice.College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology, Prairie View A&M
University, Prairie View, Tx(2012).
M.S., Theatre/Sociology(18). Department of Mass Communication, Speech & Theatre, Texas
A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, Tx (2004).TAMU/PVAMU-Sociology 18
hours(2006).
B.S., Sociology & Theatre. Sociology & Theatre Major, Texas A&M University-Commerce,
Commerce,Tx (2001).
EMPLOYMENT
On Line Instructor/Criminal Justice/Theatre. Itawamba Community College, Fulton, MS (2008-14)
Substitute Teacher. Waller ISD, Waller, Tx (2014)
Adjunct Instructor
Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Tx (2005-2014)
Criminal Justice(2005-06; 2008-2013),Theatre(2009-2011),ACCESS Summer Youth
Program(2005-2014).
Online Adjunct Instructor/Criminal Justice. TAMU-Commerce, Tx (2013)
Financial Aide/Office Asst./Recruiter University College, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View,
Tx. (2007-2010)
Evening Workshop Coordinator/Instructor. Dramaturgy: “Presenting the Art of Change” University
College-ACCESS Program, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Tx. (Summer 2007-
2011)
Field Researcher, Lister, Tracker. Foster Care Alumni Project(FCAP study), University of Michigan
Survey Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI (2008-2009)
Life Skills Instructor, P.A.C.E. Youth Programs, Houston, Tx (2006-2009)
Research Assistant. College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology, Prairie ViewA&M University, Prairie
View, Tx, (2004-2005).
Research Assistant. Department of Mass Communication, Speech & Theatre,Texas A&M
University-Commerce, Commerce, Tx, (2001-2004).
Substitute Teacher. Waller ISD, WallerTx, (2006-2007)
Cooper ISD, Cooper, Tx (2000-2004)
Staff. Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, Tx (1998-2004)
Enumerator. U.S. Government Census Bureau, Delta County, Tx (2000)
Employee. Gardner Mirror Corp., Arlington, Tx (1989-1996)
Cosmetologist. Arlington, Tx (1984-1989)
Employee. Kroger, Ft. Worth, Tx (1982-1984)
Cashier.(1979-1982)
RESEARCH, TEACHING AND TRAINING AREAS
Juvenile JusticeYouth Life Skills
SociologyCriminal Justice
Minority Issues in C.J.Gender Issues in C.J.
Foster Care/Child WelfareTexas State History
Applied TheatreSociodrama
Victim-Offender MediationTheatre of the Oppressed
Career/College PrepBullying
COURSES TAUGHT
Graduate:
Theory, TAMU-Commerce online, (2013)
Evaluation, TAMU-Commerce online, (2013)
Undergraduate:
Speech, ICCMS, Ms online(2013-2014)
Critical Thinking-Undergraduate/ACCESS Program, PVAMU, Tx(2005-2014)
Juvenile Delinquency, TAMU-Commerce online (2013)
Ethics, PVAMU, Tx (2013)
Criminology Theory, PVAMU, Tx (2012)
Corrections, PVAMU, Tx (2012)
Intro to Criminal Justice, ICCMS, Ms online(2012/2013)
Costuming, PVAMU, Tx (2010-2011)
Stage Makeup, PVAMU, Tx (2011)
Theatre Appreciation, ICCMS, Ms(2008-11)
Dramatic Interp, PVAMU,Tx(2010)
Intro to Acting, PVAMU, Tx(2010)
Intro to Theatre, PVAMU, Tx(2009-10)
Life Skills; P.A.C.E. Youth Programs, Inc. Houston, Tx(2006-09)
Principle of Criminal Justice; Undergraduate, PVAMU, Tx(2005-06)
PUBLICATIONS/RESEARCH
- “Meet The Big Man, John Borgstedt”, Foster Focus 3(3)
- “A Descriptive Analysis of Foster Care Transitional Service and Alumni Outcomes”, Dorsett
Dissertation Topic, Prairie View A&M University, 2012.
2. “The Effects of Bullying in Schools, and a Proposed Sociodramatic Resolution
As a Restorative Justice Response”, Crime, Punishment and the Law1(2), 121-131.
3. “Forum Theatre: A Tool for Juvenile Crime Prevention and Treatment"
(with Dr. Ed Schauer), Texas Probation Journal, 29(1) 8-13.
4. "Outside Traditional Theatre: Two Studies In Community Building," Dorsett Masters
Thesis, Texas A&M University-Commerce, August 2004.
ACADEMIC PRESENTATIONS
5th Annual Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center, Engaging Communities, Embracing Youth,
PVAMU, Prairie View, Tx., Dorsett Working Dissertation (2012)
7th Annual Research Symposium, College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology, PVAMU,
Prairie View, Tx, “The Correlation of Foster Care and Adult Outcomes” Working Dissertation
(2012)
Career Day Expo 2007,2009-11, Waller High School, Waller, Tx. “Dramatic Presentations;
Using Applied Theatre Techniques in education and social issues”
28th Annual International Conference on Critical Thinking, Foundation for
Critical Thinking, Berkley, Ca., “Critical Thinking Through Applied Theatre: Curriculum for Recent High School Graduates In Academic Enrichment Programs” (Co present with Dr. Ed Schauer), (2008)
H. Elaine Rodney, Excellence in Research Symposium, College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology,
PVAM-University, “The Effects of Bullying in Schools: A Proposed Sociodramatic Resolution,
(2007)
2nd Excellence in Research Symposium, College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology, PVAMU,
Prairie View, Tx.,Book Review, "Going Down to The Barrios", (2006).
1st Excellence in Research Symposium, College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology, PVAMU, Prairie
View, Tx, ‘Sociodrama Workshop’,(2005)
Southwest Association of Criminal Justice, “Forum Theatre: A Tool for Juvenile
Crime Prevention and Treatment” (with Dr. Ed Schauer), (2004)
DRAMATIC PRESENTATIONS
Playwright, Director.Bullying, PVAMU-ACCESS-PV Community Childrens Day (2014)
Playwright, Director.Campus Children PVAMU-ACCESS-PV Community Elders Dinner Theatre (2014)
Playwright, Director.Emancipation Proclamation. PVAMU-ACCESS-PV Community Holiday (2013)
Playwright, Director.Veterans Golden Years.PVAMU-ACCESS- Capstone, Birmingham, Al (2012)
Playwright, Director.The Golden Years. PVAMU-ACCESS-Capstone Bastrop,Tx (2011)
Playwright, Director.The System, 16th National Symposium Juvenile Services , Closing
Session(2010); 6th Annual. Strengthening Youth & Families Conference, Austin Tx,
Closing Session (2010);TNOYS Region 7, Teen Conference, Austin, Tx (2011)
Director, Presenter.Sociodrama & Theatre, Waller High School-Career Day, Waller Texas (2010)
Playwright, Director.The Homeless, The Elderly, The Children, Corner Stone Baptist Mission,
PVAMU-ACCESS–Capstone Dallas, Tx (2010)
Playwright, Director, Performer.Drunk Driving Skit., PVAMU, National Anti-Drug Week(09-10,10-11)
Drug Symposium PVAMU (2011)
Playwright, Performer.Be A Voice, FCAA-Texas Family Reunion, Texas State Capitol, Austin, Tx.,
National Foster Care Month-May (2010)
Playwright.Adolescent Dayz!College Prep Skit, St. Peters Children’s Home,
PVAMU-ACCESS Capstone Trip, San Antonio, Tx (2009)
Playwright, Director.Going Down To The Delta, Emmitt Till Museum, PVAMU
-ACCESS Capstone Trip, Glendora, Ms (2008)
Playwright, Director.Captain Vegetable. Retarded Citizens Home & Day Care,
PVAMU-ACCESS Capstone Trip, New Orleans, La (2006)
Playwright, Director, Performer.College Prep Skit, University College Financial
Aide; Office of Recruitment & Orientation, College Recruitment for Secondary Education
& Panther Camp, PVAMU, Prairie View, Tx (2007-2010)
Playwright, Director & Program Coordinator.The Presentation”, S.H.A.D.O.W. Evening Program
for Juveniles, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, Tx, (2004).
Producer.A Christmas Carol.Dickens Festival; Delta County Performers.,
Cooper, Tx, (2003).
Writer, Director.A Small Shepard, Commerce Children’s Community, Commerce
Tx, (2003).
Member, Asst. Director, Production Manager. State History And Drama
Outreach Workshop (SHADOW), Texas A&M University-Commerce & Go Theatre performance team, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (2003-2004).
WORKSHOPS ATTENDED
Participant. The Emotional Transition from Foster Care to Adulthood: Lessons from Alumni of the
System, “Growing Pains” - National Independent Living Conference, Grapevine, Tx (2011)
Participant. International Student Foundation, Mentor Orientation, Webcast (2011)
Participant, Foster Care Alumni of America – Advocacy Training, FCAA-Nationals, Austin, Tx (2010)
Participant. Field Interviewer, UMICH Survey Research Institute (2008)
Participant. Volunteering, facilitated by Vicki Spriggs, Director-TJPC, Sponsored by P.A.C.E. Youth
Programs, Houston, Tx (2008)
Participant. Ethics in Psychology, PVAMU, Prairie View, Tx (2007)
Participant. Ethics in conversation with Teens, 2nd Annual Strengthening Youth & Families
Conference, Austin, Tx (2006).
Participant. Ethics in Criminal Justice, Tx Probation Officers Ass., Austin, Tx, (2005).
WORKSHOP/SESSIONS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES GIVEN
22ND Annual CASA-Texas Conference, “Culture of Foster Care” FCAA-Tx Officers (Oct 2011)
Growing Pains 2011, National Independent Living Conference, “Family Privilege And The
Culture of Foster Care, Grapevine Tx., (2011)
ACCESS, University College, Prairie View A&M University, “Dramaturgy: The Art of Change”
(2007-11).
Lutheran Social Services of The South, “Aging Out: Life After Foster Care” Webinar (2011-2012)
Facilitation-Orientation Training, Panther Advisor Leaders(PAL) Camp, Prairie
View A&M University, Prairie View, Tx, (2005-11).
21st Annual CASA-Texas Conference, “Culture of Foster Care” FCAA-Tx Officers (Oct 2010)
5th Annual Strengthening Youth & Families Conference, “Teaching Life Skills To
Incarcerated Females; An Interactive Approach”, Austin, Tx (2009).
Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, 13th Annual Juvenile Justice Title IV-E Conference Texas
Juvenile Probation Commission, “Adolescent Life Skills” Corpus Christi, Tx(2006).
1st Excellence in Research Symposium, College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology, PVAMU
Prairie View, Tx “Sociodrama”,(2005).
PROGRAMS FACILITATED/DEVELOPED
Constellation Foundation Foster Care Children Camp, “Camp For All” Counselor Trainer,
Brenham, Tx (2012)
Foster Care C.A.N., Gateway Christian Fellowship, Motivational Speaker, Hockley, Tx (2012)
Foster Care Apprentice Enterprise (FATE) Program development, Austin, Tx (2011-12)
ACCESS, Prairie View A&M University, “Critical Thinking”, P.V., Tx (2005-11)
Christ Haven For Children, “Good Citizen Awards”, Scholarship Present, Keller, Tx (2010-11)
Girls & Boys Country, Life Skills “Decision Making & College Prep”, Hockley, Tx (2010)
Relationship Seminar, Prairie View A&M University, “Relationships” P.V., Tx (2006).
SHADOW Evening, Hunt County Probation, Texas A&M University-Commerce, “College Prep”,
Commerce, Tx (2004).
GO THEATRE, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, College for Texans Campaign, “College
Prep” Texas (2003 – 2004).
Delta County Performers, “A Christmas Carol, Thesis Topic”, Cooper, Tx (2004)
COMMUNITY/ADVOCACY ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS
Special Congressional Recognition. Michael McCaul, Texas, District 10 (2014)
Mentor. PVAMU-University College, Foster Care Students (2009-14)
Founder. Foster Care C.A.N. (Circle of Assistance Network) (2011-14)
Member. National Foster Care Youth and Alumni Policy Council (2012-14)
President. Foster Care Alumni of America-Texas Chapter (2010-14)
Board Member. TEXAS-Court Appointed Service Advocates (CASA) (2011-14)
Taskforce. FCAA National Social Media Taskforce (2013)
Program Director, Foster Apprentice Training Program (FATE), PVAMU (2013)
Director Special Programs, Constellation Foundation, Houston, Tx (2013)
Mentor. International Student Foundation, Dallas, Tx (2011-2013)
Ambassador. Alumni Ambassador, TAMU-Commerce, Sociology Dept (2012)
Award, 2011 Above & Beyond Award, PVAMU Theatre, 2011
Award, 2011 Best in Costuming, ACTF, PVAMU Theatre, 2011
Member. PVAMU, PhD Student Organization, P.V. Tx (2006-12).
Board Member. Foster Apprentice Training Enterprise, F.A.T.E, (2010-11)
Public Relations Officer. Foster Care Alumni of America-Tx Chapter (2008-10)
Program Manager/Organizer. Ranch Country Subdivision, 3 on 3 Basketball
Tournament-Playground Fundraiser, Hockley, Tx(2008).
Board Member. Waller P.D., Police Application Acceptance Committee, Waller, Tx (2007)
President. Waller Police Dept., Citizens Police Academy Alumni, Waller, Tx (2007).
Member. Waller Police Dept., Citizens Police Academy, Waller, Tx (2006).
Secretary. PVAMU, PhD Student Organization, P.V. Tx (2006-07).
President. Sociology And Criminal Justice Society (SACS), TAMU-Commerce,
Commerce, Tx, (1999-2000).
Chairperson.Headstart Policy Council, Cooper ISD, Cooper,
Tx (2000-2001).
Member.Headstart Policy Council, Cooper ISD, Cooper, Tx (1999-2000).
Volunteer. Cooper ISD, Teacher Volunteer, Cooper, Tx (1996-1999)
GOVERNMENT
Testimonial Witness. Interim committee Charges, Texas House of Rep., 83rd Legislature, Austin Tx (2014)
Testimonial Witness. HB 915, HB 2719 83rd Texas Legislative Regular Session, Austin, Tx (2013)
Policy Council Member, National Foster Care Youth & Policy Council, USDHHS/ACF-George
Sheldon, Washington D.C. (2012-2014)
Keynote Speaker, Child Welfare Luncheon and Partner Forum, Grapevine, Tx (August, 2011)
Subcommittee Member, Juvenile JusticeTask Force for Children with Special Needs, Senate Bill
1824, 81st Texas Legislative Session, Austin, Tx(2010-2011)
Testimonial Witness. HB 1912, 81st Texas Legislative Regular Session, Austin,Tx (2009)
SPEAKER
Child Protection Day Rally, Capitol Building, Austin, Tx (April 2013)
ACCESS Graduation-Mistress of Ceremony, PVAMU, P.V., Tx (Aug 2010-2012)
Voices For Children CASA-Bryan, Tx (2012)
PAL College Conference 2011, TAMU-Commerce, Commerce, Tx (Nov 2011)
Housing-Child Welfare Luncheon and Partnership Forum, “Growing Pains 2011” National Independent
Living Conference, Grapevine Tx (Sept 2011)
Child Protection Day Rally, Capitol Building, Austin, Tx (April 2011, 2013)
Christ Haven Children’s Home-Homecoming, Keller, Tx (Sept 2010,2011)
CASA, Inc., Waller & Austin County, Yearly Volunteer Banquet, Brenham, Tx., (Dec 2010)
Hempstead Youth Association Fall Banquet, Hempstead, Tx (Nov 2010)
Lone Star College System, Luncheon, Houston, Tx (2010)
Gateway Christian Fellowship-FCAA Presentation, Hockley,Tx (July 2010)
Texas REACH Initiative, San Marcus, Tx (June 2010)
Brookhaven Boys Ranch, Waco, Tx (Jan 2010)
Memorial Services, EstelleBiancruzzo, Ft. Worth, Tx (2010)
FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS
Psych Meds & Nutrition of Foster Care Alumni, Texas current study (2013)
Foster Care Alumni Project(FCAP) Study, University of Michigan Survey Research Center,
Interviewing Foster Care Alumni from the state of Texas. (2008-09)
Galveston Hurricane Ike, University of Michigan Survey Research Center, Residence Listing (2008)
INTERVIEWS/REVIEWS
Reviewer, A Foster Care Manifesto, Brown & Sieta (Amazon, B&N, 2013)
Interviewee, Rhonda Sciortino, radio show, (Aug 23, 2013)
Reviewer, I love you mom, please don’t break my heart, John Borgstedt(Amazon, 2013)
Interviewer, Foster Focus Magazine, “Meet The Big Man, John Borgstedt”
Reviewer, Through The Eyes of an Orphan Heather O’Neil (2012)
NATIONAL/STATE AFFILIATIONS
Christians in Theatre Arts, ctis.org (CTIS), member
National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council (NFYAPC), member
Foster Care Alumni of America, fostercarealumni.org (FCAA), President
Casey Family Programs, RB21, casey.org
Foster Club, fosterclub.org, member
International Student Foundation, isfsite.org
Texans Care for Children, texanscareforchildren.org
Foster In Texas, fosterintexas.org (FIT)
Texas Court Appointed Service Advocates, texascasa.org (CASA), Board of Directors
Texas Network of Youth Services, tnoys.org (TNOYS)
Texas REACH, texasreach.org
Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center, pvamu.edu (TJCPC)
Camp Constellation, campconstellation.org
Christ Haven for Children, christshaven.org
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL), dfps.state.tx.us/child_protection/preparation_for_adult_living/