FSU Awarded $60,000 Grant to Advance Faith and Health Education; Set for Kick-Off Event on March 26

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University (FSU) has been awarded a $60,000 grant to support an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at integrating religious pluralism into health professions education. The Faith Forward: Religious Pluralism, Health Equity initiative will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address health disparities while considering diverse faith perspectives.

Led by an esteemed team of FSU faculty—Paul Boaheng, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, Melissa Haithcox-Dennis, Ph.D., associate professor of public health, and Stephanie Hodges, Ph.D., professor of nursing—the project will develop an Intro to Faith and Health course, embed faith and health equity modules into courses and launch community-centered programs. These efforts align with FSU’s commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and community impact.

“This grant provides an opportunity to increase religious literacy and understand its role in advancing health equity by enhancing student learning in and out of the classroom,” said Dr. Haithcox-Dennis. “By fostering religious pluralism in the context of public health and healthcare, we can prepare our graduates to work with and care for diverse communities more effectively.”

The initiative will launch a minor in faith and health, facilitate a Faith and Health Campus Learning Series, host community health fairs, and offer international service-learning experiences to Canada and the Dominican Republic. These programs will engage both students and the broader community, fostering dialogue on religious pluralism and health equity.

Faith & Health Book Signing Kick-Off Event

As part of the initiative’s community engagement efforts, FSU will host a book signing event for The Black Woman’s Guide to Coping with Stress by Cheryl Woods Giscombé, PhD, RN. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 26, in FSU’s Charles W. Chesnutt Library and is presented in partnership with the Charles W. Chesnutt Library and the Delta Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Giscombé, a renowned scholar in mental health and stress management among Black women, will discuss key themes from her book, including strategies for resilience and well-being. The event will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to explore the intersection of mindfulness, self-compassion, and wellness.

To RSVP to the upcoming book signing event, please follow this link.

“Fayetteville State University programs are open to all students, faculty and staff regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.”