Chandra Russell Story

Dr. Chandra Russell Story is a Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance within the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where she conducts community-engaged research focused on health equity and social determinants of health. Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical public health interventions, emphasizing marginalized populations including rural African American communities and women.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD from University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2012)
• MHS from Boise State University (2004)
• BS from University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1992)

Dr. Story's research centers on Women's Health, Health Program Evaluation, Health Equity, and Social Support systems. She has developed award-winning social marketing programs for youth suicide prevention during her tenure as a state grant coordinator for the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Her scholarship examines diabetes management in rural communities, mental health literacy, breastfeeding support mechanisms, and HIV advocacy through culturally appropriate frameworks. She employs community-based participatory research methods that prioritize trust-building and capacity development.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals consistent focus on health disparities through multiple lenses: social support networks in chronic disease management (particularly Type 2 Diabetes among rural African Americans), mental health service utilization in youth with intellectual disabilities, innovative digital interventions like social media for breastfeeding support, and faith-based community resilience strategies. Her work demonstrates methodological diversity spanning qualitative studies, epidemiological analyses, and program evaluations, all unified by commitment to culturally responsive solutions.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Brock Foundation Teaching Award (2017)

Dr. Story has secured and managed significant grants including SAMHSA-funded initiatives for youth suicide prevention. While specific advisees aren't listed in source materials, her collaborative publication record with students across 20+ publications indicates active mentorship. She partners extensively with community organizations, faith leaders, and public health agencies to implement evidence-based programs.

She leads community-based interventions such as the Learning and Developing Individual Exercise Skills (LADIES) project, which examines physical activity promotion among African American women in faith settings. Her research teams frequently include interdisciplinary collaborators from public health, social work, and medical fields, with strong emphasis on community partnership throughout the research lifecycle.