Theresa has served as director for the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, at the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) since November 2005. Prior to joining UTPA, Bailey was employed by Florida A&M University for 10 years. There she served in several positions all within the Division of Sponsored Research. Her initial assignment was as associate in grants development within the pre-award unit. Following that assignment, Bailey served as acting associate director for Sponsored Research. Subsequent to that assignment, her departing appointment was as the founding Director of the Office of Research Services.

Bailey received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Alcorn State University; and is currently a doctoral candidate in Higher Education Administration at The Florida State University with a focus in policy, governance and organizational management. Her research focuses on organizational culture and its influence on effective research administration units.