Sharon Griffin, PhD, MBA, MPM
Senior Project Director
About Sharon Griffin
Dr. Sharon Griffin is an academic and practitioner in the field of marketing and management. Holding a PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership, an MBA with a focus on Strategic Business Management, and a Master of Project Management (MPM). Dr. Griffin combines rigorous research with practical insights to address complex challenges in both the private and public sectors. Currently, Dr. Griffin is a Senior Project Director within the School of Public Health at the University of Memphis, where she excels in developing grant applications and designing grant-funded programs. She fosters strategic partnerships to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of projects while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Dr. Griffin oversees the day-to-day management of all grant initiatives, including hiring, training, and supervising staff, all while maximizing funding opportunities.
Previously, Dr. Griffin served as a Postdoctoral Researcher within the Research and Innovation Division, where she led long-term marketing research communications, brand strategy, and technology commercialization initiatives. Her work emphasized collaboration between public and private sectors, facilitating research experiments, internships, and data analysis in the rapidly evolving field of emerging technologies. In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Griffin is an Adjunct Professor at Alcorn State University, where she teaches graduate level, develops course materials, and engages students in online discussions. She prioritizes student success, demonstrating exceptional organizational and time management skills. She also teaches international marketing at Belhaven University, focusing on graduate-level courses such as Global Logistical Management and Ethics Behavior in Information Technology. Her research explores the interplay of intuition and consumer behavior, examining how cultural influences and emotional connections shape decision-making. She has a strong commitment to student engagement and mentorship. She has received exceeding ratings from her class for innovative course design and effective classroom practices.
Dr. Griffin actively seeking to publish her research in prestigious academic journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research and Business Ethics, with a particular focus on earning recognition for her doctoral dissertation. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Griffin held various leadership positions in government, nonprofit, private, public, and state, including titles such as Director of Unified Initiatives, Director of Diversity, Director of Marketing, and Executive Director, where she managed corporate marketing communications and strategies. As Principal of SDG and Associates, she provided training aimed at enhancing retention and academic success for diverse student populations.
As a marketing consultant for the Mississippi Alliance of Non-Profits and Philanthropy, Dr. Griffin offers expertise in communication, social media, training, non-profit strategy, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. She is the President/CEO of Start Now Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to community outreach, economic development, and educational initiatives. Outside of academia and consulting, Dr. Griffin is passionate about community service and serves the community. She is aligns with national and local non-profits, advocating for education and workforce development initiatives. In her spare time, Dr. Griffin enjoys walking, hiking, traveling, and exploring new cultures.