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Dr. Ursula C. Metz is a writer, scholar, educator, researcher, Air Force Veteran, storyteller, and creative entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of criminal justice, education, mental health, and the power of human stories.

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In March, she earned her doctorate in Criminal Justice Education, where her research examined how self-stigma and organizational values influence police officers’ decisions to engage in mental health help-seeking. She earned her master's degree in criminal justice law studies and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

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Influenced by her work as a former crisis and suicide counselor, her scholarship reflects a broader commitment to understanding the human experiences behind institutions, policies, and systems—particularly the experiences that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or silenced.

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As an educator, "Dr. U" is passionate about helping students recognize their potential and navigate the complexities of higher education. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in encouragement, critical thinking, compassion, and the belief that education can become a powerful tool for transformation. She loves teaching and serving through her work as a professor and has taught high school and criminal justice students at the collegiate level. She remains committed to mentoring emerging scholars and contributing to doctoral education as a dissertation co-chair.

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The Narrative Justice Collective

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Through the Narrative Justice Collective, she is developing an independent platform dedicated to research, storytelling, documentary work, and projects that explore how personal narratives intersect with justice, institutions, identity, and social experience. Her goal is to create meaningful work that does more than document stories.Her productions will invite audiences to listen, question, understand, and see people more fully.

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She is also an award-winning storyteller and visual communicator. Her earlier work in Air Force military media earned several writing awards at the Air Force level and in both the Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command. Dr. U continued to explore photography, video, writing, and digital storytelling throughout her career.

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Dr. U is a lifelong Florida resident married to a native New Yorker, Marcus, and a proud mom.