Dr. Kyaien Conner – Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair
Dr. Kyaien Conner holds the Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair, honoring Pitt’s first Black Provost and his legacy. Her scholarship focuses on improving mental health outcomes for communities of color through culturally responsive, community-engaged interventions. Over the past year, she funded the CRSP RISE Mental Health Pilot Grant program in partnership with Dr. Shaun Eack, supported doctoral and early-career faculty research, and amplified the Center on Race and Social Problems internationally. Conner strengthened the Journal on Race and Social Problems through multi-disciplinary collaborations and is developing a podcast to translate research into accessible insights for communities. She also mentors emerging scholars, advancing equity-focused solutions across the field.
Dr. Shaun Eack – James and Noel Browne Endowed Chair
Dr. Shaun Eack, the James and Noel Browne Endowed Chair, has an extensive program of research focused on making cognitive enhancement therapies tested in schizophrenia and autism more accessible in community settings. Over the past year, he streamlined cognitive enhancement therapy into a self-contained workbook and shorter sessions, enabling community providers to implement it more easily. Eack also launched the first statewide implementation of these approaches, bridging the gap between research and real-world practice. His work advances innovative, strengths-based care tailored to community needs to ensure research is relevant and useful for practice.
Dr. Sara Goodkind – Philip Hallen Endowed Chair in Community Health
Dr. Sara Goodkind stepped into the Philip Hallen Endowed Chair in Community Health and Social Justice in June, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Early in her role, she met with Philip Hallen and learned about his involvement in Freedom House Ambulance Service, a groundbreaking chapter of Pittsburgh’s history. This chair alternates between public health and social work, aligning closely with Goodkind’s nearly decade-long work with the Black Girls Equity Alliance. Building on this experience, she is advancing the chair’s mission with a strong focus on equity and community impact.
Dr. John Wallace – David E. Epperson Chair
In his role as the David E. Epperson Chair, Dr. John Wallace has continued to advance the School’s tradition of community-engaged scholarship. This year, he built on the momentum of the CHURCH (Congregations as Healers Uniting to Restore Community Health) Project, a pioneering initiative focused on strengthening mental health support within Black faith communities. He also provided mentorship to junior colleagues and supported collaborative presentations and publications. His work this year reflects the heart of the Epperson Chair, linking research, service, and community well-being.