ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
SPH CARES CREATING A GLOCAL IMPACT COMMUNITY-ENGAGED ANCHOR INSTITUTE RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION STUDENT-CENTRIC
Ashish Joshi, PhD, MBBS, MPH Dean and Distinguished University Professor
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COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Diyala Abdlrasul, MPP Communications and Events Coordinator Kami Geron, MA Instructional Design and Coordinator of Special Projects Sarah Johnson, BA Communications and Events Associate Magdalena Reilly, BA Digital Media Associate Laura Granack, MS SPH Coordinator ___ Stay Up To Date
@PublicHealthMemphis
@uofmemphis_sph
@school/university-of-memphis-school-of-public-health ____ @MemphisSPH ____
ANNUAL REPORT | 2024-25 University of Memphis School of Public Health memphis.edu/publichealth
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
IN THIS ISSUE
4.
24.
Dean’s Message
New Initiatives
6.
26.
Strategic Plan In Progress
Memphis City Council Recognition
8.
28.
Life at SPH
10.
Office of Experiential Learning and Career Readiness
12.
National Public Health Week
New Global Collaborations
P. 12
30.
SPH hosted a series of events during National Public Health Week.
32.
SPH Cares Champion Award
34.
14.
Dean’s Awards
Model of Youth Engagement
36.
New Hires
16.
Community Partnerships
38.
SPH News
18.
Research
40.
SPH Data
21.
New Accolades
P. 30
22.
Dean’s Faculty Mentorship Award
Public Health Diplomacy
44.
12-Month SPH Strategic Priorities
The inaugural Public Health Diplomacy Summit brought together participants from 15 countries.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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Reflections of 4
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
2024—25
DEAN’S MESSAGE
A
s I complete my three years as Dean of the School of Public Health, I want to take this moment to thank all the faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners for their support toward the vision of making the University of Memphis School of Public Health one of the most impactful schools of public health in the nation. Prior to my arrival, I laid out an aspirational plan of making SPH a glocal (local and global) model that would be an engine of social, economic and health impact here in the city of Memphis, the state of Tennessee, and beyond. The commitment is toward building an impactful School of Public Health that is Community- engaged, Anchor Institute, offering Research-based solutions, supporting Entrepreneurship and innovation while remaining Student-centric (CARES). This past year has continued to be a period of unwavering commitment toward community engaged scholarship and impact, cross-institutional and crosssector collaborations and partnerships. There has been the continued creation of shared vision and goals and coordination among various stakeholders and ongoing robust communication. As an ASPPH 2024 Harrison C. Spencer Award recipient, SPH can highlight the initiatives for high school students and beyond. SPH implemented the nation’s first Public Health Education Model in High Schools. Built on the 4 Pillars of (CARE), Coping, Adaptability, Resilience, and Empathy, the Public Health Clubs are facilitated by experts in the field . The Clubs offer high school students the opportunity to come up with out-of-the-box solutions to address common public health challenges in local and global settings. The PH Clubs have been created locally and internationally with continued growth of school participation. The UofM School of Public Health was the first in the country to offer a dual enrollment program that provides the opportunity for students to jumpstart their bachelor’s degree in public health (BSPH) by taking college courses during the 11th and 12th grades. Dual-enrollment students develop skills in oral speaking, data presentation, community partnerships and leadership through didactic coursework, group activities, and an experiential learning project. Students that commit to all five courses are eligible to sit for the Disease Intervention Certification exam and obtain an undergraduate certificate in Public Health. The Hackathon provides an opportunity for participants to harness their creativity and technological skills to address pressing health issues affecting today’s youth. This hackathon is not just about finding solutions - it’s about empowering the next generation to become
innovators in the digital health space. SPH invites multisector, multi-institutional, cross-country participation in this innovative initiative to sensitize youth about the importance of public health and create a community of learners and leaders in public health. In collaboration with iEARN - an International Education and Resource Network, the UofM SPH recently launched its Public Health in Action curriculum, a public health dual enrollment and an undergraduate experiential learning program. The course is an opportunity for high school students from across the globe to explore the field of public health, gaining insights into its challenges and developing skills and knowledge needed to create and implement innovative, human-centered solutions. The School of Public Health launched the nation’s first public health diplomacy lab, and an inaugural Public Health Diplomacy Summit took place in September 2024 in collaboration with ASPPH and Global Network of Academic Public Health (GNAPH). Public health experts from more than a dozen countries participated at the University of Memphis School of Public Health. They discussed key public health diplomacy curriculum competencies and resources to advance this field. Over the last three years, SPH has shown nearly 36% increase in enrollment resulting in over 300 students in SPH and has significantly expanded its research awards from $2 million to about $27 million. All SPH programs are STEM Designated. There is a continual growth of faculty pool, over thirty members, whose expertise is shared with students. SPH has established a robust SPH Alumni network of over 800 alumni. Over half a million dollars is offered in student scholarships annually. Partnerships are key to the University of Memphis School of Public Health. Our current initiatives have partnerships with Shelby County Health Department, Tennessee Department of Health, Memphis Shelby County Schools and Juvenile Court. We also have established significant meaningful collaborations across ten countries as well as over 200 community organizations collaborations throughout Shelby County and the State of Tennessee and beyond. I keenly look forward to another productive year of academic excellence, innovation, sustained growth, opportunity and success. I welcome innovative ideas and community partnerships that can help advance the School of Public Health toward becoming an engine of social, economic growth with a significant health and well-being impact on individuals, their families and the communities not only in Memphis but beyond.
Ashish Joshi, PhD, MBBS, MPH Dean & Distinguished University Professor ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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SPH STRATEGIC PLAN IN PROGRESS At the University of Memphis School of Public Health our mission extends beyond the classroom, to meet the needs of the constantly evolving world of public health. Taking this into consideration, we’ve defined seven strategic goals that guide our efforts to advance public health, promote innovation and make a measurable impact locally and globally. These goals serve as a roadmap — shaping how we educate, engage with communities, conduct research and lead in the field of public health.
1: Aggressively Provide Access Increase awareness of the SPH’s unique value to help grow enrollment and increase access.
2: Create Opportunities to Succeed Encourage students to persevere and thrive in their educational experience and careers while creating a meaningful connection with the school.
3: Outcome-Focused Academics Focus on student success and prepare students for the workforce through an innovative yet rigorous, practical, well-rounded and supportive academic experience.
4: Strengthen Research Enterprise Support impactful, interdisciplinary scholarship and research with world class infrastructure and researchers motivated to address local and global challenges. 6
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
2023—28
5: Recruit, Retain, Reward, Recognize Our People Provide opportunities for personal growth and professional development while recognizing and rewarding excellence and success and cultivating a respectful and supportive culture.
6: Exemplify Operational Excellence Become an example of operational efficiency and effectiveness by creating and upholding high standards and expectations for resource utilization and accountability.
7: Generate and Steward Financial Resources Increase valuable financial partnerships and improve resource allocation to promote growth through alignment of values, priorities and opportunities with application of best financial practices. ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
LIFE AT SPH
O
Outcomes from this landmark event were published in Frontiers, reflecting our leadership in shaping the future of public health.
In 2024–25, the School established partnerships with over 200 community organizations - collaborations that are vital to developing and delivering a wide range of innovative programs and events for our students, the Memphis community as well as national and international stakeholders.
As we conclude another successful academic year, our commitment to a student-centered approach remains unwavering. The SPH-CARES model continues to define who we are, an engaged and dedicated SPH committed to making a measurable impact in public health both locally and globally.
ver the past year, the School of Public Health has continued to advance its mission of fostering a “glocal” (local + global) approach to public health right here in the City of Memphis.
This year, SPH welcomed government officials as guest speakers, launched new public health clubs across the country and hosted the inaugural Public Health Diplomacy Summit at the University of Memphis.
The SPH-CARES model continues to define who we are: an engaged and dedicated School of Public Health committed to making a measurable impact in public health both locally and globally.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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Since its launch in January 2024, the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Readiness (OELCR) at the University of Memphis School of Public Health has made significant strides in supporting students’ professional journeys. Through a robust lineup of workshops, one-on-one coaching, and strategically curated events, like the SPH fall and spring career fairs, the OELCR continues to connect students with transformative opportunities in public health. Jamecia Richardson | Coordinator
Experiential Learning and Career Readiness
430+ 182 97 10
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
Since Fall of 2024:
TOTAL STUDENT MEETINGS HOSTED TOTAL STUDENTS SUPPORTED TOTAL PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS: Fall 2024 through Summer 2025
SPH Career Fairs | 2025 Employer participation: 13 in SPRING 2024 29 in SPRING 2025 Student career fair attendance increased from 50 to 75.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK Day 1 | Bridge Walk Your Health is Our Mission Day 2 | PHSA Guest Speaker Amplifying Voices for Public Health Day 3 | Yoga on the Lawn Optimizing Health For All Day 4 | Plant and Picnic Championing Resilience for Health Day 5 | Student Health Gallery Strengthening the Public Health Workforce
2025 12
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
School of Public Health
National Public Health Week This year’s NPHW theme, “It Starts Here,” encourages institutions and individuals to take meaningful steps toward improving health for all.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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Investing in Youth: Public Health IDEAS Clubs Expand Across the Globe through a CARES Framework Model for Public Health Education In 2022, the University of Memphis School of Public Health (UofM SPH) launched the RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS Clubs, a bold initiative to reimagine public health education – starting with high school students through connections built from outreach locally and globally. Two years later, the Clubs have evolved into a “glocally” connected program empowering students and community members to shape public health’s future.
A TRANSFORMATIVE MODEL OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IDEAS Clubs are school-based programs held biweekly at participating high schools. Students work on hands-on projects addressing public health issues through campaigns and prototypes focused on prevention and community public health. Clubs provide interactive learning on public health topics and are supported by SPH staff or faculty and a designated school instructor (High School Point Person). Core Curriculum Features: Systems Thinking & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Data Storytelling & Innovation, Human-Centered Design & Public Health Project Management, and Career Pathway Exploration. Learning is structured to promote student ownership, flexible teamwork and hands-on activities that guide students from topics to problem-solving and project design.
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
2024—25 GROWTH AND REACH Over the past year, the Public Health IDEAS Clubs expanded significantly, and plans are underway to scale to more schools and community organizations starting fall 2025.
6 HIGH SCHOOLS WITH 7 ACTIVE CLUBS
70+ CLUB VISITS AT 6 LOCATIONS
11 INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS
66 HACKATHON STUDENTS ACROSS 11 TEAMS FROM 4 SCHOOLS IN MEMPHIS
116 STUDENTS IN CLUBS 72 STUDENTS IN DUAL ENROLLMENT 80+ PUBLIC HEALTH DAYS AVAILABLE FOR CLUBS
87 GLOBAL HACKATHON STUDENTS AND 16 PROJECTS, FROM USA, INDIA, MALTA AND UGANDA.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS “Our primary mission is
to promote public health career pathways through our exceptional curriculum. The second is to build relationships that enable students to gain impactful, real-world experience through placements at these organizations.
“
Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and Distinguished Professor
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE COMMUNITY
In the six months since the School of Public Health (SPH) appointed Steve Shular (left) as the Community Outreach Representative, more than forty groups within the Memphis community have connected to explore collaboration opportunities and learn how SPH can positively impact local neighborhoods. The SPH team has actively listened to the needs of community leaders and shared both the Public Health in Action initiatives as well as opportunities for SPH students to support these efforts.
SPH has worked with
200+ COMMUNITY BASED
organizations, governmental agencies and non-governmental partners.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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RESEARCH
18
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
Center for Population Health Interventions and Outcomes UofM SPH created a new research center in collaboration with the College of Public Health and Health Informatics (CPHHI), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) in Saudi Arabia.
(Right to left) Dr. David Russomanno, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Ashraf Elmetwally, Professor of Epidemiology, CPHHI, KSAU-HS and Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean.
CHOICE Center
CRAIPH Center
UofM SPH established the Center for Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes and Interventions through Community Engagement in collaboration with Lifedoc to enhance the promotion and understanding of cardiometabolic conditions in the community.
UofM SPH established the Center for Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Public Health (CRAIPH) which serves as a research and training infrastructure to promote the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in public health.
(Left to right) Dr. Asma Ali, Dr. Maryam Karimi, Dr. Xinchen Mou, Dr. Ricky Leung, Dr. Hongmei Zhang, Mrs. Laura Granack, Dr. Pedro Velasquez, Dr. Ann K. Cashion, Mr. Andres Velasquez and Mr. Pedro Velasquez.
CRAIPH works with Memphis area health organizations to develop AI-informed educational programs while piloting AI devices with community partners.
2024-25 NEW AWARDS
$7,153,446
AI for Health Research Lab University of Memphis AI for Health Research Lab is a core initiative of CRAIPH. Funded by the NIH AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, the lab addresses pressing public health challenges through responsible use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The University of Memphis was 1 of 15 awardees selected for the Program for AI Readiness (PAIR) Cohort 2.
Community Stress & Wellness Lab UofM SPH established the Community Stress and Well-being Lab to improve outcomes to stress and mental health throughout the Mid-South, train graduate researchers and contribute to the SPH CARES mission.
Dr. Alex Parkhouse with the lab team.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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RESEARCH AWARDS Dr. Debra Bartelli “Food as Medicine Project”. Elevance Health Foundation $111,391
Dr. Maryam Karimi “Solid Waste Management Impact on Soil-Water Resources Across the Underserved Rural Communities of Black-Belt and the Deep South of Alabama and Mississippi”. USDA $193,000
Dr. Latrice Pichon “Implementation of Rapid HIV Testing and Linkage to HIV Treatment or Prevention Among Vulnerable Populations in Tennessee” Meharry Medical College (MMC) $98,978 and CDC $101,353
Dr. Fanta Gutema “Genomic Fingerprinting of Enteric and Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria at the Hygiene and One Health Interface for Tracking Disease Transmission in Urban and Peri Urban Bishoftu town, Ethiopia”. Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute $234,512 and $37,470.70
“CanAiry: A Wearable Medical Device for Monitoring Environmental Exposure and Assessing Respiratory Response.” NIH $48,846
“A Multimethod Assessment of the Clinical, Economic & Social Impact of the Rejection of Federal HIV Prevention Funds in Tennessee”, NIH $101,724
Dr. Satish Kedia “SAMHSA MAT 2021 BVI TBD”. SAMHSA $105,000 and $105,000
Dr. John Jefferies “ECG-AI Based Prediction and Phenotyping of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction”. NIH $18,206 and Wake Forest University $17,676
“Expanding substance abuse/cooccurring treatment and recovery support services for fentanyl overdose clients in rural middle Tennessee”. SAMHSA $75,000
“Identifying multilevel facilitators of care outcomes among Positive Deviants to design an intervention for Black sexual minority men living with HIV.” NIH $13,540
“Lead Environmental Scan and Accountability Map”. Shelby County Government $31,205
Dr. Chunrong Jia “Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center Program”. EPA $211,557 “Characterization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure and related protein adductomic signatures to evaluate a local public health intervention in safer degreasers”. King County Department of Public Health $5,000 Dr. Yu Jiang “Data management and data analyses”. UTHSC $25,772 Dr. Ashish Joshi “A2 Y2 -Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce and Data Systems”. Shelby County Health Department $1,043,560 “Healthy Start Professional Services for Data Collection and Analysis to provide culturally competent case management and care coordination to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities”. US DHHS $459,890 “Partnering with High School Educators to Build Pathways to Disease Intervention Certification”. CDC $199,999 20
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
Dr. Marian Levy TRAIN Learning Management System: UofM School of Public Health curriculum development.” CDC $300,000 “University of Memphis: Transforming Academic for Equity.” Robert Wood Johnson Foundation $125,000 Dr. Wei Lyu “Fostering Economic Mobility”. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IDHHS) $25,032 Dr. Xichen Mou “First 8 Memphis Pre-K PerformanceBased Project”. First 8 Memphis LLC $45,806 “SciTask: Statistical Analysis of NHANES Biomarker Data”. SciPinion, LLC $5,000 Dr. Fawaz Mzayek “A prospective qualitative exploration of multilevel factors affecting outcome disparities among Black women with breast cancer in Shelby County, TN”. Gilead Sciences, Inc. $21,956
Dr. Meredith Ray “Optimizing HIV prevention for highly vulnerable methamphetamine-using sexual minority men”. NIH $12,092 Dr. Fedoria Rugless “SCHD HIV Conference note takers estimate” Shelby County Health Department $4,999.99 Dr. Matthew Smeltzer “Pathologic Response Early Clinical Endpoint in Neoadjuvant Therapy- Data Coordinating Center (PRECENT-DCC).” International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer $800,226 “Tennessee Public Health Surveillance Program for Sickle Cell Disease”. CDC $477,129 “Predicting Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in Sickle Cell Anemia Using Machine Learning Models (PREMIER)”. NIH $20,095 Dr. Hongmei Zhang “Clusters of Epigenetic Networks at Birth and Asthma Incidence in Children”. NIH $201,912
FY 2024—25 *Source: UofM Division of Research & Innovation Newsletters
NEW ACCOLADES
Established in 2010, UNAI boasts over 1,600 member institutions from more than 150 countries. It plays an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting innovation and collaboration among students, academics, and researchers.
The University of Memphis Recognized as a Member Organization of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
As a member institution, the University of Memphis can share its teaching methodologies and research, participate in workshops related to the SDGs, and access various resources, including academic events. UNAI's mission is to enhance the impact of its members while promoting effective practices aligned with United Nations objectives.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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DEAN’S FACULTY
MENTORSHIP AWARD: RISER RISER: Research Initiative Supporting Excellence in early careeR development.
RISER funding is provided by the Office of the Dean of the School of Public Health.
RISER funding aims to support early career faculty in developing innovative research projects.
Recipients of pilot seed funding are required to submit a research proposal and at least one publication.
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
Each RISER project is funded up to $7,500
RISER AWARD RECIPIENTS 2024 Project Title: Empowering Muslim Communities: Building Capacity through Educational Webinars and RAMADAN Instrument Pre-Testing via Cognitive Interviews. Objective: This project aims to improve diabetes management during Ramadan through community engagement and pre-testing a culturally tailored RAMADAN instrument for healthcare providers. Asma Ali PhD, PharmD Assistant Research Professor Division of Health Systems Management and Policy
Project Title: Student and Career Advancement Through Targeted AUD Research: Identification of Disease, Barriers to Effective Care, and Emerging Solutions. Objective: This project aims to conduct an exploratory and descriptive analysis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States, focusing on disease identification, barriers to care, and emerging solutions for effective treatment. The research will leverage existing data and literature to produce actionable analytical briefs, develop testable hypotheses, and draft proposals for federal funding opportunities. It also seeks to foster mentorship and skill-building for graduate students while enhancing the University of Memphis's research capacity. William C. Bigler, PhD Assistant Professor Division of Health Systems Management and Policy
Project Title: Partnership Development for Antimicrobial Research in Ethiopia Objective: The aim of this project is to establish a partnership between the University of Memphis and Addis Ababa University to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a feasibility study and stakeholder engagement.
Fanta Desissa Gutema, DVM, MSc, BSc, MPH, PhD, CPH Assistant Research Professor Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health
Project Title: Social Stress and Community Health Lab Objective: This project aims to establish a first-of-its-kind lab to study Memphis's stress and mental health disparities, targeting actionable interventions and graduate training.
Alex Parkhouse, PhD, MA Assistant Professor, Program Coordinator Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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NEW INITIATIVES EMPOWER Summer Initiative
EMPOWER Summer Initiative The Elevating Memphis Public Health Opportunities With Engaged Researchers (EMPOWER) Initiative is a studentcentered program designed to introduce graduating high school seniors to the field of public health through immersive, real-world experiences. 24
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
SPH kicked-off its EMPOWER Summer Initiative: a flagship program of the University of Memphis School of Public Health that introduces high school students to the world of public health through immersive, real-world experiences. DAY 1 | Why Public Health is Important in the 21st Century DAY 2 | AI in Public Health DAY 3 | Storytelling in Public Health DAY 4 | Global Public Health Opportunities DAY 5 | Health Systems Strengthening
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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University of Memphis School of Public Health Receives Memphis City Council Recognition
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
In a historic gesture, City Councilmember Rhonda Logan presented Dean Joshi with a Memphis City Council Resolution, acknowledging his leadership and the numerous successes of the UofM SPH. These accomplishments include recent increases in research funding and student enrollment, underscoring the school’s commitment to public health education and community service.
(Left to right) Councilmember Philip Spinosa, District 5, Councilmember Edmund Ford, Sr., District 6, Councilmember Janika White, District 8-2, Councilmember Pearl Eva Walker, District 3, Councilmember Rhonda Logan, District 1, Councilmember, Dr. Jeff Warren, District 9-3, Dr. Ashish Joshi, Dean and Distinguished Professor, UofM School of Public Health, Yolanda Cooper-Sutton, District 8-3, Steve Shular, SPH Community Relations Representative. ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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SPH is GLOCAL : Taking LOCAL University of Memphis School of Public Health has developed partnerships across 200+ community organizations from multiple sectors including Tennessee Department of Health, Shelby County Health Department, schools, juvenile and criminal court, sheriff’s office and other community organizations.
TENNESSEE The Tennessee Dementia ECHO Program has expanded by launching a West Hub through the University of Memphis. The provider education program helps educate providers across Tennessee on best practices for dementia care.
(Center) Courtney Tipper, Deputy Administrator, Operations, SCHD, (right) Stephen Fort, Deputy Administrator, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program, SCHD, (left) Dr. Ashish Joshi, Dean and Distinguished Professor, UofM, School of Public Health.
SPH launches a “Speaker Series” with Shelby County Health Department (SCHD).
TENNESSEE
SPH signs an Affiliate Agreement with the Tennessee Department of Health. UofM SPH signed a MOU between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County through the Metropolitan Board of Health.
SHELBY COUNTY
CDC’S NATIONAL DIS CERTIFICATION PROJECT The School of Public Health has been awarded funding to advance the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Certification Project. Implemented by the ASPPH Center for Public Health Workforce Development, the Certified in Disease Intervention (CDI) Program supports the CDC’s efforts to enhance public health services by certifying disease intervention professionals. The School of Public Health project proposal “Partnering with High School Educators to Build Pathways to Disease Intervention Certification,” aims to sensitize high school students to public health disease intervention and the challenges and solutions needed to address them in the 21st century. 28
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
Honored guests stand after the March Dean’s Grand Rounds event inside the UC Ballroom at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. The presentation, delivered by Dr. Ralph Alvarado, Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner (pictured third from right), took place on March 28, 2025. Also pictured from left to right are Dave Harrell, Director of Special Projects; Misty Hernandez-Perry, Executive Assistant to Dr. Alvarado; Amanda Ables, Director for Healthcare Partnerships; Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director of the Shelby County Health Department; Dr. Ashish Joshi, Dean and Distinguished University Professor for the UofM School of Public Health; and Chelsei Granderson, Public Health Administrator.
Impact to GLOBAL Change UofM SPH becomes affiliate member of the ASPHER (The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region).
PORTUGAL UofM SPH and University of Minho, Portugal signed a MOU to enable student exchange and enhance the educational experience and cross-cultural understanding of students from both institutions.
SAUDI ARABIA
PERU
UofM SPH signed a MOU with the College of Public Health and Health Informatics at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences to enhance collaboration in academic programs, research initiatives, faculty development and student and community engagement — both in Memphis and Saudi Arabia.
This MOU established a partnership between Rainforest Flow and SPH to advance global WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education and research in the Manu Biosphere.
INDIA
(Left to right) Dr. Ilias Kavouras, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor, Dr. Maryam Karimi, Director of Research, Dr. Satish Kedia, Associate Dean, Administration & Faculty Affairs, Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor, Professor Ashraf Elmetwally, Professor of Epidemiology, CPHHI, KSAU-HS and Dr. Marian Levy, Associate Dean, Public Health Practice & Community Engagement.
UofM SPH signed a MOU with Panimalar Engineering College in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to offer public health programs and opportunities for credit transfer as part of this collaborative academic initiative.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal framework for collaboration with Universities and Institutions. ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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Public Health DIPLOMACY Public Health Diplomacy Lab The lab is led by a multidisciplinary team committed to advancing global health through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-informed diplomacy. Our team comprises experts in public health, sociology, epidemiology, and international relations, working together to address complex health challenges and promote health access across borders.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH DIPLOMACY PAPER HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN FRONTIERS:
READ THE PAPER HERE
"Public health diplomacy: summary of the methods and outcome of the first University of Memphis School of Public Health Diplomacy Summit".
UofM Team Members
Dr. Ashish Joshi (PI and Lead)
Dr. Diana Ruggiero
Dr. Beverly Tsacoyianis
Dr. Marian Levy
Dr. Gretchen Peterson
Dr. Xinhua Yu
School of Public Health Dean and Distinguished Professor
Department of World Languages and Literatures Professor of Spanish
Department of History Associate Professor of History
School of Public Health Associate Dean of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement, Professor
Department of Sociology Professor
School of Public Health Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Program Coordinator
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
SPH hosted the First School of Public Health
Diplomacy Summit
The three-day inaugural summit was organized at the University of Memphis School of Public Health in collaboration with the Global Network for Academic Public Health and Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health — bringing together 29 participants from 15 countries, including representatives from the World Health Organization, the World Federation of United Nations Associations — to identify strategies and competencies essential for advancing public health diplomacy.
Public Health Diplomacy Lab at UofM SPH is part of the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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SPH CARES Champion Award
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
SPH presents Dr. Michelle Taylor with the inaugural SPH CARES Champion Award
The University of Memphis School of Public Health hosted a celebratory recognition event to highlight the impact Dr. Michelle Taylor (right) — the Shelby County Health Department Director — has had on the SPH Community, Shelby County and the city of Memphis as a whole. Dean Ashish Joshi (left) presented Dr. Michelle Taylor with the inaugural SPH CARES Champion Award for her “tireless commitment and dedication towards improving public health and advancing the mission and vision of the University of Memphis School of Public Health”.
(Left to right) General Rita Works, Dr. Michelle Taylor, Dean Ashish Joshi and Dr. Jan Young, Executive Director of the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc., pose with the inaugural SPH CARES Champion Award. ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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2ND ANNUAL DEAN’S AWARDS 2024—25 The School of Public Health (SPH) hosted its 2nd SPH Dean’s Awards ceremony, honoring the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff and students during the 2024–25 academic year. Thirteen individuals were recognized for their exceptional achievements in Community Engagement, Commitment, Research and Leadership.
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University of Memphis | School of Public Health
DEAN’S SPH AWARDS FOR FACULTY FACULTY RESEARCH: Dr. Matthew Smeltzer | Associate Professor, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health FACULTY TEACHING: Dr. Xinhua Yu | Professor, Program Coordinator, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health FACULTY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Dr. Lori Ward | Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Teaching
DEAN’S SPH AWARDS FOR STAFF EXCELLENCE STAFF LEADERSHIP: Jamecia Richardson | Experiential Learning and Career Readiness Coordinator
DEAN’S SPH AWARD FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS GRADUATE RESEARCH: Namuun Batbaatar | Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health GRADUATE DISSERTATION: Kelly Pimenta | Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health GRADUATE COMMUNITY SERVICE: Rameshwari Prasad | Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences GRADUATE COMMITMENT: Hannah Badley | Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
DEAN’S SPH AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: Olivia Manes | Bachelor of Science in Public Health UNDERGRADUATE COMMUNITY SERVICE: Jeanbaptist Nizeyimana | Bachelor of Science in Public Health UNDERGRADUATE COMMITMENT: Hafsat Sani | Bachelor of Science in Public Health UNDERGRADUATE SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Fatmata Bah | Bachelor of Science in Public Health UNDERGRADUATE SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Malise Greene | Bachelor of Science in Public Health
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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NEW HIRES 2024—25 FACULTY AND STAFF
Dale Sanders, DO, DHA, MBA
Lori Ward, PhD, MS
Ricky Leung, PhD, MPhil, MS, BA
William C. Bigler, PhD
Asma Ali PhD, PharmD
Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya, MBBS, MA, PhD
Diyala Abdlrasul, MPP
Brian McGoldrick
Interim Division Director MHA Program Director and Professor Health Systems Management and Policy
Assistant Professor Health Systems Management and Policy
Communications and Events Coordinator 36
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
Undergraduate Program Coordinator Associate Professor of Teaching Social and Behavioral Sciences
Assistant Research Professor Health Systems Management and Policy
Research and Data Analyst PH IDEAS
Division Director and Professor Social and Behavioral Sciences
Health Economist, PH-IDEAS Assistant Professor Health Systems Management and Policy
Stephen Shular
Community Outreach Representative
Ashley Ross
Senior Project Director
Kami Geron, MA
Instructional Designer
Pamela DeShields
Administrative Assistant
Fedoria Rugless, PhD, CCRP
Public Health Educator and Programs Administrator Center for PH-IDEAS
Kelli Harris, LPC-MHSP ACS
PH IDEAS Conferences and Workshops Manager Center for PH-IDEAS
Michelle Jeu, MPH
Health Informatics Analyst PH IDEAS
Sharon Griffin, PhD, MBA, MPM
Senior Project Director
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
37
SPH IN THE
38
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
2024—25
July 12, 2024, University of Memphis Media Room: UOFM SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AMPLIFIES ITS REACH - UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS MEDIA ROOM THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS September 20, 2024, Action News 5: DIGITAL DESK: U OF M SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH September 27, 2024, Daily Memphian: UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS SUMMIT PRESENTS PUBLIC-HEALTH STAKES - MEMPHIS LOCAL, SPORTS, BUSINESS & FOOD NEWS | DAILY MEMPHIAN September 27, 2024, PRNewswire: UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH ENCOURAGES UNITY AT SUMMIT October 27, 2024, Commercial Appeal: Opinion: U. OF MEMPHIS PUBLIC HEALTH DIPLOMACY SUMMIT SPOTLIGHTS UNITY October 28, 2024, Public Health Newswire: HOW TO BATTLE THE ‘POLLUTION’ OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION | PUBLIC HEALTH NEWSWIRE November 14, 2024, UofM Media Room: UOFM RESEARCHERS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS NIH GRANT FOR INNOVATIVE WEARABLE HEALTH MONITORING DEVICE - UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS MEDIA ROOM - THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS Dec 11, 2024, Commercial Appeal: MEMPHIS MODELS A YOUTH-LED MOVEMENT TO IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH FOR ALL RESIDENTS | OPINION March 31, 2025, Action News 5: ENROLLMENT AT UOFM SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH HAS RISEN BY 20% IN LAST 2 YEARS April 4, 2025, WREG News Channel 3: PUSH TO BRING PUBLIC HEALTH CLUBS TO MEMPHIS HIGH SCHOOLS June 11, 2025, WREG News Channel 3: UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEAN TACKLES YOUTH PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
39
SPH DATA Enrollment 2021—25
298 289
Courses Taught By
353 328
FULL-TIME FACULTY
88%
Graduation Rates by Degree DOCTORATE 83%
ADJUNCT
12%
MASTER'S
19%
Increase in Student Enrollment 40
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
83%
Student Enrollment Trends
WITH 300+ ENROLLED Student Status 2024—25
Student-Faculty Ratio
FULL-TIME
71%
17 : 1 PART-TIME 29% Mode of Delivery
Students by Degree in 2025
IN-PERSON
76%
ONLINE 24%
Age Group
75%
MALE
25%
24%
42%
Increase in Total Credit Hours
26% 13%
Gender FEMALE
12%
8%
21%
Increase in Student Head Count and in Student Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
41
Beyond the Classroom
ALUMNI GROWS 900+
Since January 2023, SPH has made significant strides in advancing its mission, expanding its impact and strengthening its role as a leader in local and global health.
Employment of Alumni Insurance
3%
Non-Profit
8%
Government
12%
Academics
14%
For Profit
16%
Health Organization
17%
Hospital
29%
Alumni by Program
42
Bachelor of Science
3%
Graduate Certificate
5%
Master of Science
2%
Master of Health Administration
33%
Master of Public Health
51%
Doctorate
7%
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
First School of Public Health
TO CREATE AN INNOVATIVE ACADEMIC PATHWAY
The University of Memphis School of Public Health is proud to lead the nation with the first Public Health Dual Enrollment Pathway, giving high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to begin earning college credit toward a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), continuing through the doctoral level.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
43
12-MONTH School of Public Health STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
2026 44
University of Memphis | School of Public Health
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Expand and sustain model of public health education in high schools locally, nationally and globally. Expand SPH engagement locally, nationally and globally through its various strategic initiatives.
RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS
Implement grant writing assistance program to support faculty towards diversification of their research funding opportunities.
ACADEMIC INNOVATION AND CURRICULUM EXCELLENCE New academic proposal around MS Applied Artificial Intelligence in Public Health to be submitted. Expand recruitment opportunities to advance student enrollment and matriculation at undergraduate and graduate levels. Revise existing SPH website in collaboration with University of Memphis Office of Marketing and Communications. Curriculum revisions to the Master of Public Health programs to be finalized. Establish Dean’s Healthcare Leadership Community Advisory Panel to support the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program housed within the Division of Health Systems Management and Policy. Expand national and international collaborations around areas of Public Health Diplomacy, high school youth engagement and artificial intelligence in public health.
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Strengthen alumni engagement and network.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
Initiate Inaugural “PH-CARES Changemakers” cohort program to support public health innovation and entrepreneurship among SPH students.
STUDENT CENTEREDNESS
Implement New Initiatives
PH Changemakers: to spark student innovation and fuel creativity here in Memphis and beyond. PH on Wheels: to take learning beyond the classroom and directly into the community, by offering students a behind-the-scenes look at public health in action.
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2024-JUNE 2025
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3825 DeSoto Avenue 232 Robison Hall Memphis, TN 38152 MEMPHIS.EDU/PUBLICHEALTH
The University of Memphis School of Public Health is committed to being a resource to the community through partnerships, collaborations and engagements.