Mary Annette Hess

Mary Annette Hess is an Associate Professor at Samford University's Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama. With 26 years of academic experience and 29 years in nursing, she specializes in diabetes and obesity management while serving as a Family Nurse Practitioner in two clinics. She mentors graduate nursing students and leads grants like the HRSA-funded diabetes management initiative.

• PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Post-Masters Certification as Family Nurse Practitioner
• Masters in Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist), Troy State University

Her research focuses on culturally competent diabetes care, translational research for Type II diabetes, and obesity management across ages. Notably, she practices clinically while living with Type 1 diabetes for 47 years.

Recent publications highlight innovations in long-acting insulin therapies, weight management strategies, and shared medical appointments for diabetes. These works span pharmacology, clinical case studies, and policy implications.

• Best Visible Display Poster, UAB/UA/UAH DNP Intensive (2016)
• $5,000 School of Nursing Scholarship Fund Award (2013)

She directs grants totaling over $1.5 million, including NIH-funded translational research and community peer advisor programs. Her clinical work spans Diabetes Clinic at Cooper Green Mercy Health System and St. Clair Community Health Clinic.