Department of Public Health

WHAT WE DO

Through research and education, the Department of Public Health creates the leaders of tomorrow in the fields of epidemiology, community health, and health policy.

About the Department of Public Health

Welcome to the newly established Department of Public Health at the University of Mississippi. We're excited to be at the forefront of education and research, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of public health professionals.

Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on communities both locally and globally.

  • At the undergraduate level, our Bachelor of Science in Public Health offers a comprehensive foundation in health sciences, preparing students for diverse careers in public health, healthcare administration, and health promotion.

    Interested undergraduates can also apply to our GradSHARK Launch PAAD - Public Health which allows students to earn graduate credit towards their Master of Public Health (MPH) degree while completing their undergraduate studies. Through this 4+1 program, students can complete their undergraduate and MPH degrees in 5 years.
  • For those seeking advanced education, our Master of Public Health (on campus or online) provides rigorous training in public health practices and research methodologies, equipping graduates to lead and innovate in the field.

Join us as we strive to create healthier communities and a brighter future through education, research, and service. We look forward to your journey with us at the Department of Public Health and to the positive changes we will achieve together.

Interested in a career in Public Health?

Check out our programs below and start helping your community today!

Meet Our Faculty

The Department of Public Health is happy to hear from you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
;
Allison Ford-Wade

Allison Ford-Wade

  • Interim Chair and Professor of Public Health and Associate Dean of Community Engagement
;
Hannah Allen

Hannah Allen

  • Executive Director of William Magee Institute for Student Well-being and Assistant Professor of Public Health
;
Ashley Jones

Ashley Jones

  • Instructional Assistant Professor - Public Health
;
Ruaa Al juboori

Ruaa Al juboori

  • Assistant Professor of Public Health and Data Analytics Statistician
;
Andrew Yockey

Andrew Yockey

  • Assistant Professor of Public Health
;
John Higginbotham

John Higginbotham

  • Vice Chancellor of Research and Economic Development, Professor of Pharmacy Administration, Professor of Public Health, and Research Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Meet Our Staff

;
Vanessa W. Moore

Vanessa W. Moore

  • Academic Advisor
;
Megan Black

Megan Black

  • Graduate Enrollment Manager
;
Holly Rhodes

Holly Rhodes

  • Project Manager

Meet Our Research Assistants

;
Divya Chandran Geetha Kumari

Divya Chandran Geetha Kumari

  • Research Associate for Youth Mental First Aid Program
;
Clyde King

Clyde King

  • Research Associate for Youth Mental First Aid Program

Meet Our Graduate Assistants

;
Brady Suttles

Brady Suttles

  • Graduate Assistant
;
Holly Myatt

Holly Myatt

  • Graduate Instructor
;
Rosie Johnson

Rosie Johnson

  • Graduate Assistant
;
Kiara Clay

Kiara Clay

  • Graduate Assistant
  • Substance Use & Mental Health Research Laboratory

    The Substance Use & Mental Health Research Lab focuses on the epidemiology of mental health and substance use across the lifespan, examining these constructs through a developmental and public health lens. By implementing advanced research methodologies and analytic techniques, our lab explores the relationships between substance use, mental health, and achievement, with particular focus on associations with academic and employment outcomes among young adult and student populations.

    Substance Use & Mental Health Research Laboratory