Dorian Bayles, a senior majoring in psychology, recalls that she felt an immediate connection to the University of Montevallo as soon as she stepped onto the bricks during her campus tour. She said that connection has strengthened over time, allowing her to enjoy the sense of community and support at UM.
Bayles is active in the University community as well as in her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. She holds several positions in ADPi including delegate to the Panhellenic Council. 
While working at UM’s Child Study Center, Bayles is conducting undergraduate research focusing on the emotional assessment of children. She also works at the Boys and Girls Club in Montevallo and was recently named to Who’s Who among UM students.
Bayles has been affiliated with the Purple Side in College Night each year she has been at UM, singing in the pit chorus in 2019 and serving on the cabinet in 2020.
After graduation, Bayles plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling at Montevallo and then go on to earn a doctorate in order to work as a child therapist specializing in play therapy, working with children who have been exposed to trauma. Her ultimate goal is to be a professor of clinical psychology at UM and to continue her research while helping children.
Reflecting on her time at Montevallo, Bayles said, “Having the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research is something I will always cherish because it has taught me so much that I know I will be able to use in the future. Both in academics and in my personal life, the University of Montevallo has given me so many gifts which I will always be grateful for, from lifelong friendships and relationships to the ability to stand on my own with a strong foundation to build upon.”
