Lisa Dalton, assistant professor of social work at New Mexico State University, worked in the telecommunications industry for 12 years until she realized that her heart just wasn’t in it.

“I knew there had to be more to life than that,” Dalton says. “Telecommunications was not my passion; working with people was.”

She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Texas Woman’s University, a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Arlington.

“I chose social work because it is a profession that best reflects my personal philosophy that all people are worthy of respect and having their needs met,” Dalton says.

Dalton now specializes in areas such as post traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, psychopathology and sexual identity.

“Social workers are committed to improving the lives of individuals, families and communities,” Dalton says. “I love what I do.”

“Dalton is successful because she is a dedicated professional social worker,” says Stephen Anderson, director of the School of Social Work in the NMSU College of Health and Social Services. “This dedication is exemplified through her outstanding teaching, her success as a developing researcher and scholar and her leadership within the school, community and the profession.”

Dalton is conducting research exploring the link between substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. She says research shows those who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease because of lowered inhibition. The lack of discussion about sexual health also is a major driving force behind the increase in STDs among adolescents and oppressed groups.

“The group with the fastest growing rate of STDs is 18-to-24-year-olds,” Dalton says. “It is a combination of increased independence, access to alcohol and developing sexual relationships that puts this group at higher risk.”

Dalton received a $100,000 grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that can be renewed over three years and is used for educating NMSU students about sexual health and substance use, safe sex supplies, educational materials and sponsoring special events.

Dalton expects the field of social work to take on a more significant role in areas including sexual health and immigration and says it is rare to find an important issue that isn’t addressed by social work.

In this climate of increased need, Dalton wants to prepare future NMSU social workers to meet the varied needs of this community.

“My ambition as a social work professor is to facilitate students’ growth to achieve their potential,” Dalton says. “Teaching is my passion and I want to make a difference by educating social workers to be culturally competent by respecting the diverse populations of New Mexico.”

“She is dedicated to her students and works hard to ensure they receive a high-quality education,” Anderson says. “As a teacher she is demanding and has high expectations. Through her courses the students’ thinking is challenged and they learn a great deal that prepares them for their profession.”

Dalton received the 2005 Donald C. Roush Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a member of The Teaching Academy of the College of Extended Learning at NMSU and an Alan I. Leshner National Institute of Health postdoctorate fellow. Dalton has published articles concerning secondary trauma, sexual identity and social work ethics.