Melissa Galvin Lumpkin brings 40 years of experience to Samford University’s School of Public Health. Having joined Samford in 2013, she has served as professor, chair of the Department of Public Health and now interim dean.
She possesses extensive experience in key areas, including administrative, public health and community organization. She has served as principal investigator in numerous projects that focus on identification, development and implementation of research projects in areas of community demonstration and health promotion/disease prevention.
She previously served as associate dean for academic and strategic programs and professor of health behavior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She served as the associate director for the Center for Community Health Resource Development for over 10 years, the associate director of the Geriatric Education Center for seven years and associate director for the Mid-South Program for Public Health Practice for three years. She served as State Unit on Aging director responsible for all services provided to seniors throughout the State including 330 senior centers, transportation and meals on wheels. Lumpkin has received numerous service awards for her work in the community.
Degrees and Certifications
- PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- MPH, epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- BS, political science, Auburn University Montgomery
Expertise
- Public Health, Gerontology, Management, Health Behavior
Awards and Honors
- Faculty Award for Outstanding Public Health Service, 2010
- White House Conference on Aging Delegate, 2003
- Innovation Award, National Association of Development Organizations, 2002
- Governor's Distinguished Public Service Award, 2002
- Douglas Cater Public Service Award, 2000
Involvement
- Community of Hope Health Clinic Board of Directors, secretary
- Jefferson County Council on Aging Board of Directors, vice chair (2003-2013)
- Associate of Schools and Programs of Public Health, associate dean committee
- Alabama Gerontological Society, president and board member
- American Public Health Association