Elizabeth Armstrong-Mensah, a clinical associate professor at Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, has been named one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women in Academia. She will be recognized at an international conference in Kigali, Rwanda.
The award is given by the Business Executive Media Group, based in Accra, Ghana. It honors women for significant achievements in social or economic activity and for personal and professional conduct that serves as a model for others. Recipients also join the African Women’s Forum, which meets virtually to work on socio-economic advocacy and design intervention programs.
Armstrong-Mensah’s background includes research and practice in global health, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, as well as public health program management. She joined Georgia State University in 2017 after working as a health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Global Health Center.
“Dr. Armstrong-Mensah excels at linking instruction, research and global engagement to provide our students with unsurpassed learning opportunities,” said Dean Rodney Lyn. “I am delighted that her dedication to improving health for all continues to be recognized.”
Since 2022, Armstrong-Mensah has led a study abroad course in Ghana that addresses water and sanitation, HIV, and women’s health. Students compare public health issues between Ghana and the United States and develop strategies to address them. After the 2023 trip, students began a school supply drive for grade school students in Ghana that is now held annually.
She also founded the school’s Undergraduate and Graduate Research and Publications Club as well as the “Meet and Talk” (MeTa) networking series. The club helps students develop research on public health challenges; over 100 students have participated, with more than 75 publishing peer-reviewed research articles. The MeTa Series has taken place each fall and spring since 2018, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and Atlanta’s public health community for networking sessions focused on academic and career development. The next event is scheduled for October 9.
Armstrong-Mensah has received other honors during her career, including the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Excellence in Teaching Award and the School of Public Health’s Excellence in Instruction Award.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Armstrong-Mensah for receiving this well-deserved international honor,” said Ashli Owen-Smith, associate professor and chair of the Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences. “Her commitment to global health, her dedication to mentoring students and her innovative approaches to teaching exemplify the very best of our School of Public Health.”
