Debra Daniels, longtime director of the Women’s Resource Center at the University of Utah, passed away on August 14. She was 70 years old.
A native of Ogden, Utah, Daniels received her bachelor of social work degree from Utah State University and her master of social work degree from the University of Utah. After completing her education, Daniels served as a licensed clinical social worker and led the YWCA’s program for survivors of domestic violence. She then worked as the clinical director of the Rape Recovery Center in Utah.
In 2003, Daniels was named director of the University of Utah Women’s Resource Center. Under her leadership, the center significantly expanded its programming and more than quadrupled its scholarship fund, growing from $60,000 to $250,000 by the time of Daniels’ retirement in 2020. The center now provides scholarships to more than 100 recipients every year.
“Throughout her long career at the University of Utah, Deb Daniels was a trusted mentor and source of wisdom for me and so many other students and professionals,” said Lori McDonald, vice president for student affairs at the University of Utah. “She was a steady force for good on our campus and will be truly missed.”