By Kelli Sharpe and Anthony Howard
When Ebele Okoye began searching for a doctoral program, she had a clear vision of what she needed: rigorous academics, meaningful research opportunities and a supportive environment that would allow her to grow as both a scholar and a leader. The international student said Jackson State University checked all of the boxes and was the perfect match.
That perfect match has now led to a remarkable milestone. Okoye graduated with a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with a concentration in epidemiology from the College of Health Sciences on May 1, 2026. She will graduate with a 3.777 GPA, a reflection of both her academic excellence and unwavering commitment to improving public health outcomes.
“My education at Jackson State has provided the mentorship, training, and collaborative opportunities that have shaped my professional development,” said Okoye. “JSU has prepared me to make meaningful contributions to public health research and practice.”
Okoye’s doctoral dissertation examined maternal obesity and pregnancy complications among Mississippi women of reproductive age, a critical issue that continues to plague the state with significant maternal health disparities statistics. Through this work, she strengthened her ability to design research, analyze complex data, and translate findings into actionable strategies that improve health outcomes.
She came to the United States driven by a passion to address complex public health challenges, particularly those affecting underserved communities. Originally from Nigeria, she says she found more than a degree program. She found a place where her purpose could take shape at Jackson State. Okoye developed advanced expertise in public health research, data analysis, and evidence-based strategies, all grounded in real-world application.
“From the moment that I interviewed Ebele for the position of Graduate Research Assistant with the Mississippi Delta Center of Excellence in Maternal Health, I knew that she was a very special young lady,” said Mary Shaw, PhD, principal investigator for the Mississippi Delta Center of Excellence in Maternal Health. “She has a genuine interest in serving others locally and internationally.”
Okoye’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. As a graduate research assistant at the Mississippi Delta Center of Excellence in Maternal Health, she played a key role in advancing research and community initiatives. Her work also involved collaboration with leading institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. These partnerships gave her invaluable experience working across disciplines to address real-world health challenges in the Mississippi Delta.
Okoye’s commitment to service and research also led her to a one-year public health residency with Special Olympics Mississippi, where she contributed to research promoting health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Her work resulted in two peer-reviewed publications, further strengthening her expertise in applied public health research and dissemination. She became a certified fellow through the Community Research Fellowship Training at the Mississippi Public Health Institute, where she honed her skills in community-based participatory research, partnership building, and translating research into practice.
Okoye’s journey at Jackson State has positioned her for continued success. Following graduation, she has accepted a postdoctoral research position at the Mississippi Delta Center of Excellence in Maternal Health, where she will continue her work to improve maternal health outcomes and address health disparities.
“These experiences have prepared me for the next step in my career,” she said. “JSU provided the mentorship, training and collaborative opportunities that shaped my professional development.”
For Okoye, Jackson State University offered more than academic excellence. She believed it provided a community.
“As an HBCU, Jackson State University offers a welcoming environment and strong academic resources that foster and support academic growth,” she said. “That has been a critical part of my journey.”
Okoye represents the very best of Jackson State University’s resilience, scholarship, leadership and a commitment to service. From Nigeria to Jackson State, her journey reflects the power of education and embodies the JSU motto of challenging minds and changing lives. It also reflects the impact one determined scholar can have on communities around the world.
###