Our History

The THRIVE MPH Fellows Program was launched at Fort Valley State University in 2025 under the visionary leadership of Dr. Hamidah Sharif-Amanyi, Associate Professor of Public Health. Built on the belief that the next generation of health professionals must be prepared to lead with both skill and heart, THRIVE was created to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world public health impact.

Originally developed as a summer research institute, THRIVE quickly expanded into a yearlong fellowship that integrates hands-on service, data-driven research, and deep community engagement—locally in rural Georgia and globally in Ghana.

Our Purpose

THRIVE stands for Teaching, Health Research, Innovation, Vision, and Equity. We prepare graduate students in the Master of Public Health program to become transformative public health leaders by:

• Conducting meaningful community-based research

• Addressing health disparities through service projects

• Building advanced skills in data analysis and program evaluation

• Engaging in global public health experiences

• Strengthening partnerships with community members, organizations, and health agencies

At its core, THRIVE is about creating health equity through collaboration, action, and education.