She is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she received her Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Masters of Music Education in Instrumental Music. She received the Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition, Doris received her Ph.D. in Music Education and D.M.A. from Wiltshire University in London England. Her major teachers included Everett and Jean Timm. She has also studied in masterclasses with Julius Baker, Jean-Pierre Rampal, James Pellerite, Shaul Ben Meir, Harold Jones and the Frederick Wilkins Recording and Book.