Clifford Kennon, EdS, MPA, CPP, joined the CCTS this January, and he has hit the ground running within the Engagement of Communities domain. Clifford brings over 25 years’ experience in higher education administration, coming most recently from the UAB Department of Family & Community Medicine. He received a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Mass Communications, a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from UAB.  Additionally, Clifford has completed coursework toward the UAB Educational Leadership Doctoral degree. Clifford’s commitment to civic service is reflected in his volunteer efforts. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Birmingham Urban League, a civil rights organization focused on justice, employment and education in underserved communities; the Fellowship House of Birmingham, a local nonprofit charity that provides recovery services to adults with substance dependencies; the Memorial Fund Scholarship Board which provides scholarships to students at UAB and Miles College in memory of the four girls killed in the 1963 16^th Street Baptist Church bombing and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, where he serves as the Southern Region Associate Dean of Professional Development. 

Clifford’s civic interests complement his new role at the CCTS, as he will work to support collaborations that foster trust and establish partnerships between researchers and underserved populations. Clifford has a particular passion for helping prioritize populations such as youth and people of color.

Jeffery Walker, Director of CCTS Engagement of Communities and of the UAB Center for the Study of Community Health, will be working closely with Clifford and shares “Clifford brings an invaluable element to our team because of his years of experience working with key community stakeholders. He knows how to facilitate progress toward a common goal, bringing everyone together for critical conversations that result in forward motion. He has already jumped right in and I am thrilled to work alongside him as we pursue health improvements for all.”

Written by Katie Bradford | January 31, 2022