Susan Dobson

Susan Dobson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). She has been a full-time teaching faculty member since 2007 and was promoted to Lecturer in 2018, with prior adjunct teaching experience starting in 2003. As the program’s undergraduate coordinator since 2007, she played a key role in securing accreditation for USM’s public health program, making it the only accredited undergraduate program in Mississippi by 2017.

• Degrees: MPH in Health Education (USM, 2003), BA in English (USM, 1997)
• Certification: Certified Health Education Specialist (2005–present)

Her expertise focuses on health education theory, methods, and delivery, with a practical emphasis on community health initiatives. She has contributed to public health advocacy, notably supporting smoke-free ordinances in Hattiesburg and Petal. Her teaching includes foundational courses like Introduction to Public Health, Health Education Foundations, and specialized topics such as Human Sexuality and Stress Management. She also leads the Allied Health Capstone course.

Professional Affiliations:

• Mississippi Public Health Association

Additional Roles: Prior experience includes work at the Area Health Education Center (AHEC), USM’s Student Health Center, program direction for the Partnership for a Health MS, and marketing/income development assistance for the American Cancer Society.