Audrey McCrary-Quarles

Audrey McCrary-Quarles is a Professor of Health Education in the Health and Physical Education Unit at South Carolina State University (SCSU). She holds certifications as a Certified First Aid and CPR Instructor, Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer. Her primary role involves teaching undergraduate Health Education courses and graduate courses in Education and Healthcare Management Programs. She advises students within her department and mentors those involved in grant-related projects outside the department.

Education:

• BS in Biology from Emory University
• MSA in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University
• Ph.D. in Education with a Health Education focus from Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Research focuses on reducing health disparities among minority groups, cancer awareness, Alzheimer’s prevention, healthy aging, injury prevention, and career awareness in agriculture for minority youth. She has secured federal and state grants addressing issues like breast/prostate cancer awareness, vaccine hesitancy among Black communities, and recruitment for Alzheimer’s research. Her community engagement includes outreach programs and collaborations with other institutions.

With 14 years of higher education teaching experience and over 15 years in healthcare, McCrary-Quarles emphasizes holistic health education across all ages, guided by her motto: “You are never too young or too old to learn about ways to enhance your body, mind, and spirit for a healthier life.”