Department of Public Health
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.
Meet Our Faculty
Allison Ford-Wade
- Interim Chair and Professor of Public Health and Associate Dean of Community Engagement
Hannah Allen
- Executive Director of William Magee Institute for Student Well-being and Assistant Professor of Public Health
Ashley Jones
- Instructional Assistant Professor - Public Health
Ruaa Al juboori
- Assistant Professor of Public Health and Data Analytics Statistician
Andrew Yockey
- Assistant Professor of Public Health
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
Meet Our Research Assistants
Divya Chandran Geetha Kumari
- Research Associate for Youth Mental First Aid Program
Clyde King
- Research Associate for Youth Mental First Aid Program
Meet Our Graduate Assistants
Brady Suttles
- Graduate Assistant
Holly Myatt
- Graduate Instructor
Rosie Johnson
- Graduate Assistant
Kiara Clay
- Graduate Assistant
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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 -
Southern Alliance for Youth Mental Health
In 2023, The School of Applied Sciences received funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training across Mississippi. The program secured additional funding in 2024 allowing for the program’s expansion across the southern region, leading to the creation of the Southern Alliance for Youth Mental Health. In addition to certifying Youth Mental Health First Aiders, we provide support to individuals who are interested in becoming YMHFA Instructors. These instructors play a vital role for the Southern Alliance to expand its efforts in reaching more communities across the region.
Learn More on the Southern Alliance for Youth Mental Health