UNC Greensboro

Kennedy Strong, a Public Health Education student, is the 2025 student recipient of the Gladys Strawn Bullard award.

I want to work in public health advocacy. Doing work in marginalized and underserved communities is my goal. With Dr. Michael Perko, he helped me to establish what I wanted to do, and that also led me to meeting other wonderful professors of the Public Health (Education) Department, like Professor (Suzanne) Hunt.

Dr. Mike Perko’s 500 Fist Bumps initiative made more than 1,200 connections among youth athletes, coaches, and officials at a recent high school lacrosse tournament in Greensboro. The teams were challenged to connect with each other on the field for three minutes. Athletes held connection coins with their team’s logo on the front and a QR code on the back, walked to someone they didn’t know, and connected with them by trading coins and scanning the QR codes. In nine minutes, more than 1,200 connections were made, which resulted in breaking down barriers, reducing stress, making friendships and creating a sense of goodwill and sportsmanship.

Public Health Education Professor Dr. Sharon Morrison and her former undergrad research assistant, Nathan Dang (’24) were recently recognized by the North Carolina Hmong Women Association.

In October, Mattacola and some of his UNCG colleagues will participate in HISA’s International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference. Associate Professor Dr. Jeff Milroy and Professor Dr. David Wyrick who will speak about Strategies for Athlete Communications on Mental Health and Safety.

As faculty fellow, Payton Foh will collaborate with the UNCG Center for Housing and Community Studies team on applied projects, mentor students, and help to develop community-based solutions to pressing issues in the areas of housing, health, and community safety.