Center for Faculty Development
Strengthening Community Health Through Research, Innovation, & Partnerships
Page Content
Date: August 13, 2025
Time: 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Asbury Hall Room 116, The University of ½ûÂþÌìÌà Mississippi
Format: Moderated Panel + Interactive Discussion
Session Overview
This interactive session brings together leaders in community health, research, and policy to explore how we can strengthen health outcomes through authentic engagement, shared leadership, and adaptive innovation. Participants will hear from expert practitioners who value community wisdom, navigate changing funding landscapes, and foster deep-rooted partnerships that elevate impact. Each segment will include short presentations, followed by discussion and opportunities for reflection and dialogue. This session is designed for researchers, practitioners, funders, and community leaders committed to advancing health equity through collaboration.
Session Objectives
- Define the principles of Community-engaged Research and identify ways to recognize and uplift community strengths in practice.
- Describe current trends and challenges in funding and explore innovative, community-centered approaches to sustainability.
- Identify strategies for increasing impact through inclusive leadership, volunteerism, and long-term community engagement.
- Reflect on their own roles in fostering trust, co-ownership, and adaptability within partnerships.
Session Breakdown
Segment 1: Funding in Flux – Adapting to a New Era
Objective: To explore strategies for navigating a shifting funding landscape, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community-driven resource development.
Presenter: June Gipson, PhD
Segment 2: Community-Engaged Research & Valuing Community Strengths
Objective: To examine how CBPR prioritizes equitable collaboration and how valuing community assets enhances the quality and relevance of research and programs.
Presenters: Jennifer Lemacks, PhD and Susan Mayfield-Johnson, PhD
Segment 3: Amplifying Impact Through Community Engagement
Objective: To explore how leadership, volunteerism, and intentional engagement create sustainable impact, and how diverse voices can shape the future of community health.
Presenter: Victor Sutton, PhD
Segment 4: BROTHERS Research Project – Culturally Grounded Public Health Approaches
Objective: To explore how culturally tailored, community-led initiatives, like the BROTHERS Research Project, can be effective in addressing chronic disease prevention and improving health outcomes among underserved populations.
Presenter: Jacquilyn German, MPH