Dr. David Conley is an assistant professor in UNCW’s School of Social Work. His teaching focuses on the intersections between policy practice, social welfare, political social work, and legislative advocacy, most notably the impact that social workers can have on creating and influencing policy and politics. His research focuses on the social and political determinants of the behavioral health policy process as well as evidence-based advocacy interventions.
Prior to joining UNCW, Conley worked for Tucker Psychiatric Pavilion at Chippenham Hospital, interned for a Virginia state senator, and served as a public policy manager and lobbyist for the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards. Through these experiences, Conley learned the behavioral health system of care through micro, macro, and political lenses as well as gained an understanding of the policy practices and political processes that shape social work-related policy. It is this understanding that shapes his current research and teaching agendas.
Conley holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech as well as MSW and PhD degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.