Originally published by the UGA College of Public Health

Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond, faculty member in the online Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program, has been appointed as the University of Georgia College of Public Health’s Associate Dean of Outreach & Engagement.

This role serves as a key element of the college’s mission by creating a bridge between academia and practice, bringing together university and community partners.

“Since joining the College of Public Health, Dr. Renzi-Hammond has exemplified our college’s commitment to improving health across the state of Georgia and beyond,” said Dean Marsha Davis. “She is a champion for community-based health initiatives and expanding access to care.”

A Triple Dawg who returned to the university as faculty in the College of Public Health in 2017, Renzi-Hammond applies her background in psychology, neuroscience and behavior in order to understand how diet and lifestyle can prevent neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. She serves as co-director of the Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center, is the Leonard W. Poon Professor for Innovation in Public Health and Aging and is courtesy faculty in the UGA Department of Psychology.

Through her research and work at the CARE Center, Renzi-Hammond aims to provide and improve access to diagnosis, education and support for those at risk for or already living with dementia. The CARE Center was a “promise fulfilled” for Renzi-Hammond and CARE Center co-director Jenay Beer. After witnessing their grandmothers’ own experiences with dementia, Renzi-Hammond and Beer sought ways to improve access to care no matter location, while advancing our understanding of environmental factors on cognitive health.

“The CARE Center is just one example of Dr. Renzi-Hammond’s dedication to collaborating with communities,” Davis said. “That started with a small seed grant and has since grown into a sustainably funded resource that helps individuals in Athens and across the state. I look forward to seeing Dr. Renzi-Hammond apply that same passion and drive to all of the college’s initiatives and further advance our mission.”

As Associate Dean, Renzi-Hammond will connect the college with communities and partners, align faculty expertise with real-world needs, expand community-engaged research and student learning opportunities, translate knowledge into practice, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration and the impact of the college’s public health efforts.

“It’s an honor to serve the College in this new role,” said Renzi-Hammond. “As Georgia’s flagship land- and sea-grant university, community engagement, active learning, and community-based scholarship are in our bones. I am deeply excited to connect our faculty, staff, and students with partners near and far to expand our impact.”

This includes the establishment of Health Collaboration Hubs, a new initiative funded by the UGA Foundation. Renzi-Hammond will work with other health professional schools to implement this initiative, which translates academic expertise into locally driven, actionable solutions that improve health outcomes across Georgia.

“I envision a Georgia that is healthier, better connected, and more deeply engaged with our College and its mission. Public health is for everyone, but it can’t be for anyone if we don’t bring our work outside our walls,” Renzi-Hammond said. “This has always been a strength of our University and College, and I am eager to roll up my sleeves and connect our incredible research to our communities.”

By Erica Techo and Alexia Rule