Donna Ingemie Sorensen holds a baccalaureate degree in chemistry from Wheaton College (Massachusetts) and master's degrees in nutrition from Cornell University and in chemistry from Wesleyan University.

Shortly after arriving at USC, Mrs. Sorensen was appointed by S.C. Department of Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum to serve on the S.C. Department of Education Task Force on Nutrition and Health in Our Youth, an effort that examined the problem of childhood obesity. She is president of the board of the Girl Scout Council of the Congaree Area and serves on the boards of the S.C. Arts Foundation, the USC Board of Dance, McKissick Museum Advisory Council, and the Ex Libris Society Executive Committee. She also serves on the national board of Associated Marine Institutes. Mrs. Sorensen co-chaired the Inaugural Columbia Festival of the Arts events.

In 2001, she won the Public Citizen of the Year Award from the West Alabama unit of the National Association of Social Workers. Mrs. Sorensen has focused her volunteer efforts in working with children and young adults, AIDS outreach, Easter Seals, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Girl Scouts, the arts, and the USC Libraries.

Dr. and Mrs. Sorensen have two sons, Aaron and Benjamin, and a grandson, Arturo.