Sally Stevens
On behalf of Friends & Colleagues in SIROW and GWS
Sally J. Stevens joined the University of Arizona’s Southwest Institute for Research on Women (UA-SIROW) in 1995 as an Associate Research Professor to conduct large scale research in the intersecting areas of substance use, HIV prevention, and related health issues – including health disparities experienced by women and girls. She developed and tested health empowerment interventions, utilizing theories (e.g. feminist theory) and models (e.g., social-ecology) that advanced women-centered interventions. Dr. Stevens’ research evolved to include other groups that experience health disparities including Native Americans, individuals who identify as LGBTQ, and youth; as well as other issues such as educational disparities, STEM education, and workforce development.
In 2004, Dr. Stevens became the Executive Director of SIROW and a Professor in the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies. While continuing her own research, she mentored and advanced the research conducted by students, faculty, and new investigators/researchers at the UA, as well as at other institutions of higher education, community-based agencies, and governmental agencies. In her career at the UA, Dr. Stevens supported and embraced hundreds of partnerships – appreciating the value of working together. She oversaw research conducted at SIROW’s campus location, along with several of its community-based sites. Over her 13 years as Executive Director, SIROW typically supported over 30 projects and 40 faculty, staff, and student workers at any given time.
While most of Dr. Stevens work has been regionally located in southern Arizona, many of her 60+ projects were state-wide, national, or internationally situated. Her contributions go well-beyond her research and include serving as a reviewer for professional journals, conducting professional trainings and webinars, and publishing over 300 journal articles and technical reports. In acknowledgement of her contribution to mentoring, Dr. Stevens was a 2019 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring – an award from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Dr. Stevens retired from the UA in May, 2021 and was awarded emeritus status. Her current position is Director Emeritus – Southwest Institute for Research on Women, and Distinguished Outreach Professor – Department of Gender and Women’s Studies, University of Arizona.