Jackson State University has named Ramzi M. Kafoury, MPH, Sc.D., interim dean of the College of Health Sciences at Jackson State University, effective immediately. His appointment follows the retirement of Russell L. Bennett, Ph.D., who had an extensive academic career at JSU, holding positions such as interim associate dean, director of public health programs, and faculty roles in healthcare administration and public health.
Among his noted accolades, Bennett helped bring the first Wellness on Wheels Mobile Lab to the university in an effort to reduce health disparities in Mississippi. The lab will deliver critical services—including speech, language, hearing, and public health screenings—directly to residents. It is also a space where students can gain hands-on experience.
“Dr. Bennett’s contributions to the College of Health Sciences and the university as a whole are countless and immeasurable. We extend our deepest gratitude for his service and wish him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement,” said JSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Denise Gregory, Ph.D.
With a career spanning environmental health, molecular toxicology, and health disparities research, Kafoury brings a range of academic and administrative expertise to the interim dean position. His research focuses on the cellular and molecular effects of pollutants, including ozone, diesel exhaust, and nanomaterials, on lung function and elucidates environmental and epigenetic drivers of health disparities, particularly asthma. His work has been supported by grants from the American Lung Association (ALA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to the fields of environmental health and molecular toxicology, focusing on the cellular and molecular effects of pollutants on lung function and addressing environmental and epigenetic factors driving health disparities.
“Dr. Kafoury’s leadership, vision and commitment to addressing public health challenges align perfectly with the goals for the College of Health Sciences,” said Gregory. “His focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and student empowerment further makes him an ideal choice to guide the college into its next chapter.”
At JSU, Kafoury served as associate dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. He also served as the interim chair of the Department of Biology and associate director of the NIH-RCMI Center for Environmental Research. Kafoury has led initiatives such as developing the computational biology and bioinformatics PhD track and directing the Gulf Scholars Program, sponsored by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). He also plays a key role in the Wellspring Coalition Project, advancing doctoral studies and research opportunities in environmental sciences for underrepresented students.
“I am deeply honored to serve as interim dean of the College of Health Sciences. I will continue to work collaboratively with our talented faculty, staff, and students to build upon the work already underway to move the needle forward in the public health space. Together, we will push the boundaries of research, enhance interdisciplinary education, and make meaningful strides toward addressing health disparities in our communities,” he said.
Kafoury holds a Doctor of Science in Environmental Health and Molecular Toxicology from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, with post-doctoral training in pulmonary diseases and environmental medicine.