Alumni and Student Spotlight

Highlighting the achievements of past, present, and future Public Health Tigers. 

 

🐾 2025 Pawprint of Purpose Alumni Spotlight 🐾

Purpose: To honor an alumnus/a whose career leaves a lasting imprint of service, purpose, and equity - embodying the values of excellence, leadership, and community impact. 

Mr. Vincent Sessoms was recognized for his outstanding professional impact and commitment to mentoring the next generation. 

Mr. Vincent Sessoms receives the 2025 Pawprint of Purpose award

 

Alumni

photograph of Jordan Morris, MPH alumni

Mr. Jordan Morris: Epidemiologist, MPH, CPH, Tennessee Department of Health

What is your favorite part about the MPH program and how did it support your career goals?
This program assisted me in getting an internship with the Tennessee Department of Health, HAI/AR program. The personnel that interviewed me were actually a Tennessee State University MPH Alumni. From the internship I was able to secure a full-time position with the Tennessee Department of Health(TDH). 

What advice do you have for the future and current MPH students?
My first advice for new students at the MPH program is to take advantage of Thurgood Marshall College Fund which is devoted towards paying for HBCUs student's school thru scholarships. I would also recommend paying attention to the news feed that that the MPH programs send out regularly, which is how I became aware of the internship at TDH. More advice is to be a part of an internship or fellowship to obtain real-life experience as much as you can while an MPH student to put it on a resume. My last advice is to take advantage of the experience that our professors have and talk to them about your goals in public health because they will always know where to guide you. They may even have a internship or fellowship specifically for you!

 

Headshot of Dr. Kendric Dartis

Dr. Kendric Dartis: Vice President of Outreach & Engagement at Truth Initiative

What is your favorite part about the HCAP program and how did it support your career goals?
My favorite part of the Health Care Administration and Planning (HCAP) program was its intentional grounding in real-world leadership, policy, and community-centered practice. TSU’s faculty created an environment that encouraged us to think critically, lead boldly, and stay rooted in service. The HCAP program strengthened my ability to navigate complex public-health systems, manage large-scale programs, and build partnerships across diverse communities. It laid the foundation for my career in national outreach and health-equity leadership—and gave me the confidence to show up fully as a servant-leader.

What advice do you have for the future and current HCAP students?
Public Health is a calling—one that requires empathy, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to community. My advice is to stay open to learning across disciplines, build relationships early, and seek mentorship that stretches your thinking. Never underestimate the power of cultural understanding, authentic engagement, and storytelling in driving health behavior change. And above all, remember that the communities you hope to serve are your greatest teachers—listen to them, learn from them, and let their voices guide your work.

 

Ms. J’la Jenkins

Tennessee State University alumni, currently working with the Tennessee Department of Health. 

 

Dr. Gina Obiakor 

Tennessee State University alumni, currently an Adjunct Professor with the department and an Entrepreneur. 

 

Students

Photograph of Mr. Brian Calhoun

Mr. Brian Calhoun 

Tennessee State University Public Health PhD Student, MPH alumni, and departmental graduate assistant. Mr. Calhoun presented at the American Public Health Association (APHA) conference in November 2025.

Presentation: African American Male Involvement in Maternal Health

Synopsis: This presentation outlined a research study funded by yhe Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that examines the relationship between African American male involvement and the physical and mental health outcomes of African American women during pregnancy and postpartum. Utilizing a mixed-methods explanatory sequitial design, the researchers plan to first conduct focus groups followed by quantitative surveys with African American men aged 18-45 to explote their knowledge, experiences, and support behaviors. The study leverages the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework to analyze psychosocial factors guiding these behaviors, such as perceived benefits and barriers to engagement. Ultimately, the findings are intended to inform the development of culturally tailored interventions and policied that reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by fostering greater male involvement. 

 

Ms. Anna Miller

Tennessee State University alumni, currently working at HCA Healthcare.