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.

Officers 2025

President
Charllote Boateng
PhD in Epidemiology & Biostatistics, with a concentration in Epidemiology
(Contact Charllote Boateng)

My name is Ms. Charllote Boateng, and I am pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at the University of Memphis. My academic journey has been guided by a strong passion for addressing public health issues, particularly those affecting geriatrics, adolescent, maternal, and child health within vulnerable and marginalized communities. With a background in Disease Control and Health Promotion coupled with 9 years of working experience in Ghana, Italy, and the United States, I have built a solid foundation in public health through my academic pursuits. I hold a BSc in Public Health and a Master’s degree in Field Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Ghana, with an exchange program at the University of Brescia, Italy. The guidance and mentorship I received from faculty members have been invaluable in shaping my career goals and motivating me to pursue further studies in a program that aligns with my future ambitions.

As a passionate advocate for public health, I am driven to empower students to become leaders in this field. As President of the Public Health Student Association (PHSA), I aim to promote awareness, support academic and professional development, and foster a sense of community among public health students. My vision is to create a vibrant and supportive community that enables students to achieve their goals and become the next generation of public health leaders. I chose to pursue studies in Public Health because I believe it is a vital field that allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on society by addressing health disparities and promoting social justice. The opportunity to work on systemic issues that influence health outcomes deeply resonates with me, as I am passionate about improving the well-being of communities. I encourage others to consider this academic path, as Public Health provides the tools and knowledge needed to understand and combat the health challenges facing our world today. By fostering education in this area, we can empower individuals to actively participate in prevention efforts and drive positive change, ultimately leading to healthier populations. Together, we can create a healthier future for everyone.

• Vice President: Bryanna White, MPH SBS (Contact Bryanna White)
• Secretary: Savannah Kilgore, BSPH
• Treasurer: Esthela Rios, MPH Generalist
• Liason to Faculty and Staff Council: Samuel Baffour, MPH
• Communication Co-Chair: Akul Vyas, MPH Epi
• Communications Co-Chair: Laura Rodriguez, MPH SBS
• Communications Co-Chair: Will Whitfield, MHA
• Social Events Co-Chair: Jasmyne Gibson, BSPH
• Social Events Co-Chair: Prada House, Doctoral
• Community Service Co-Chair: Rachel Kalchbrenner, MPH SBS
• Community Service Co-Chair: Lateefah Thomas, MHA/MBA
  
  

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.

Officers 2024-2025

• President: Zach Obaji
• Vice President/ RSO Chair: Miguel Hayes
• Secretary/ Treasurer: Billy Brooks
• ACHE/ MGMA Representative: Nestor Avila
• NAHSE Representative: Hadi Rasul
• Liaison: Sky Koelsch
• First Year Representative: Lateefah Thomas