Shaw-Ridley Named Center For The Study Of Health Disparities Director

Mary Shaw-Ridley has been named director of the Center for the Study of Health Disparities in the Department of Health and Kinesiology (HLKN), College of Education and Human Development. She will also hold the title of associate professor in the Division of Health Education and will teach courses related to health promotion.

Shaw-Ridley has worked extensively with health and health care service providers across the country to further understand the complex array of factors that influence health and health care outcomes for African-American, poor, and other medically underserved communities.

“It is with alacrity that we welcome Dr. Mary Shaw-Ridley to Texas A&M,” said James Eddy, interim department head. “She comes to us with high accolades from Indiana University and a strong record of securing funding to support community-based participatory research projects that enhance the health and well being of Americans. Her exemplary leadership skills will continue the fine work of the Center for the Study of Health Disparities, an important student-centered research and outreach unit of the college and department.”

Her research contributes to the growing body of knowledge in community-based participatory research that seeks to engage communities in the design of culturally sensitive health promotion interventions to improve the wellness of minority and/or medically underserved persons.

“We all have a role to play in bringing about positive change that will benefit the human race,” she says, adding that her most meaningful role in life is being a wife and mother. “I was interested in coming to Texas A&M because of the tradition of excellence related to teaching, research, and service to the state of Texas. I am excited about the opportunity to return home and become an integral part of efforts to transform the education and health landscape of Texas.”

Her preparation for teaching, research, and administrative roles in public school systems and/or higher education includes four years of administrative experience in public schools, eleven years of full-time teaching experience in secondary education, 12 years in higher education, and more than 20 years of community service/consultant experience.

Shaw-Ridley has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, a Master of Education from the University of Maryland at College Park, and a doctorate from Texas Woman’s University.