Student Associations

SPH student associations facilitate communication and cohesiveness among students and with faculty, provide opportunities for academic and professional growth through collaboration with community organizations and volunteer events, and organize campus events that promote public health. Both the MHA Student Association and the Public Health Student Association are also great resources for students who are new to the university or the Memphis area, fostering connection and involvement.

Public Health Student Association

The Public Health Student Association (PHSA) strives to create a strong and enduring foundation for future public health leaders.

The PHSA mission is to (1) promote awareness of career and academic issues related to the field of public health by serving as a voice to the faculty and administration, (2) support all public health students at UofM academically, professionally, and socially, (3) organize health-related volunteer activities within the community, (4) collaborate with health organizations agencies, and associations regarding public health programming activities, (5) encourage students to actively pursue educational and professional development, and (6) host regular social events for public health students to foster positive interactions among students, faculty and staff.

The objectives of the PHSA are to: (1) foster a rewarding graduate school experience for its members, (2) develop a sense of community among all students and staff in the School of Public Health, (3) provide members with resources that will enhance their professional careers, (3) coordinate communication among student organizations in the School of Public Health, (4) expand opportunities for student professional development, (5) facilitate student dialogue with local, state, and national organizations, (6) promote research opportunities through collaborative public health approaches to disease prevention and health promotion, and (7) foster communication among students, SPH faculty, staff, and administration. For more information, email the Public Health Student Association or visit our Facebook group.

2024 Officers

The School of Public Health is excited to announce the results of the Public Health Student Association (PHSA) elections

President Aniya Bonds, BSPH My name is Aniya Bonds, and I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Public Health with a minor in Social Justice. I switched from being a social work major to studying Public Health because I believe that this degree program provides fundamental knowledge and skills to understand the social, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence public health outcomes. Through the guidance of faculty and staff within the School of Public Health, my passion for promoting health and improving the quality of life for others has strengthened. I have been inspired by several courses to start my career with community programming and resources, eventually working my way up to policymaking and legislation. As someone who is deeply committed to addressing health disparities and inequalities faced by marginalized communities, I believe it's important to reform policies that address social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and lack of resources. By doing so, we can help reduce health disparities and improve overall health outcomes. I chose to study Public Health because it offers a fulfilling career path that allows me to work towards social justice and address systemic issues that impact health outcomes. I encourage others who are interested in addressing these issues to seek further information about Public Health, as education is the first step to prevention. Overall, I am excited to be pursuing a career in Public Health and look forward to making a positive impact globally.

MHA Student Association

The MHA Student Association (MHASA) is the student activity arm of the MHA program. MHASA is a formal student chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and was established in 1993. In addition to opportunities for students to serve as leaders within MHASA, the organization provides all students several professional networking and community service activities throughout the year, including working with the local Ronald McDonald House, Memphis Zoo's annual Le Bonheur Zoo Boo, and Youth Villages. Our student leaders also serve as liaisons to the University of Memphis Graduate Student Association and Registered Students Organizations and to the local chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (Mid-South Health Care Executives) and the National Association of Health Services Executives – Memphis Chapter.

The objectives of the MHASA are: (1) to promote an environment conducive to educational and ethical development of professional, personal, and social skills in a manner that will produce effective leaders in healthcare, (2) to provide a vehicle for constructive student involvement, recognition, and representation in the profession of healthcare administration, (3) To develop an association with local and regional healthcare executive groups to enhance academic and career opportunities, (4) To inform members, potential members, and others in the community of the purposes of the College; its goals, programs, and benefits, (5) to provide students, faculty, and practitioners a forum for professional interaction and dialogue concerning issues in healthcare administration, and (6) to contribute to the quality of the CAHME accredited MHA program at the University of Memphis.

2023-2024 Officers

• President - Olivia Lawhorn
• Vice President - Veronica Pehlivanov
• Treasurer - Rikin Rama
• Secretary - Gracie Morton
• ACHE Representative - Sruthi Ranganathan
• MGMA Representative - Cedar Dean
• NAHSE Representative - Ashley Nelson
• MHASA Liaison - Rachel Hall
• RSO Chair - Bryan Moore