Jayme Walters

Dr. Jayme Walters is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and the Director of the Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) at Utah State University. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Walters is deeply committed to fostering a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and community engagement, mentoring over 25 undergraduate and 15 graduate students on independent projects and well over 500 social work students in course-based projects. Her mentees have secured over $46,000 in faculty-student mentorship grants, conducted 30-plus conference presentations, and co-authored publications. In research service, Walters is a member of the IRB, a judge for Student Research Symposiums, and a founder of the USU Community-Engaged Scholars Network.

Dr. Walters integrates her professional expertise and connections in social issues, facilitating collaboration between students and communities to co-design meaningful research. Stemming from these data, Dr. Walters works alongside students and community partners to develop impactful initiatives, such as the WAB Warming Center, an innovative legal services program, and a coalition for the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2023, Dr. Walters was awarded the USU Presidential Award for Community-Engaged Faculty. In 2025, TCI, led by Walters, was nationally recognized by the Council on Social Work Education with its annual Community Partnership Action Award.