Dr. Raegan Tuff is a public health champion who faithfully pursues her passion to promote the well-being of individuals and communities through research and practice.  She serves as a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has over a decade of experience researching, managing, and evaluating projects focused on chronic disease prevention and the use of information systems to analyze and communicate health data.

Dr. Tuff earned a Ph.D. in health promotion and behavior from the UGA College of Public Health and a Master of Public Health degree in social and behavioral science from Morehouse School of Medicine. She was named among the UGA Alumni Association’s Top 40 under 40 and was inducted into Delta Omega, an honorary public health society for her devotion to the study and practice of public health.  As a board member of the STEM program, I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L., Dr. Tuff encourages women and girls to thrive academically and professionally. In her personal time, she enjoys studying and teaching the Bible, spending time with her nieces and nephews, singing, creative writing, traveling internationally, and participating in HITT and Zumba classes

Why do you choose to give to the College of Public Health?

I give to UGA because UGA gave to me. The faculty and staff provided a stellar education and positive memories that I will never forget.  They made a difficult task, obtaining a PhD, a little easier with each encouraging word and monetary award for research support. I want students to have an even greater experience than I did.  Moreover, since graduating 10 years ago, I have witnessed significant improvements to University scholarships, research, facilities, and alumni engagement.  I’m happy to know that my donations contributed to these changes and help to create environments where student’s vision, innovation, and opportunities to make an impact on the world are expanded.

How do you stay involved with UGA as an alumni?

Currently, I serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors in an advisory capacity to promote and advance the programs and services provided by the UGA Alumni Association and the UGA community. When I have free time, I connect with the Atlanta Alumni chapter and affinity groups like Women of UGA and the Black Alumni Council. Also, I collaborate with several alumni employed at the CDC to promote the UGA Alumni Employee Association. The Employee Association was initiated in 2016 to connect UGA alumni and friends employed at CDC (aka “CDC Dawgs”) through social events and professional development activities. The events are always a lot of fun. The greatest benefit to connecting is meeting new friends and other graduates in action — learning about their business, academic, philanthropic pursuits, and personal hobbies. When networking with other Georgia bulldogs, I feel a part of one big family. I want my UGA friends, colleagues, and family members to feel the same way so I encourage them to stay involved and never bark alone.

Leadership Women America:

I was selected as one of 50 women to join the 2019 Class of Leadership America. Leadership America is a program of Leadership Women, Inc. that targets the “woman leader whose responsibilities are national in focus.” The program enhances skills and knowledge outside of participants’ areas of expertise with broader, global connections. During the year-long training, my classmates and I visit three cities in the U.S. to explore leadership theory, competencies, and best practices. We meet high level innovators and visionaries to examine historical forces and trends that shape the U.S. global business and social environments. The first session in April was amazing! In addition to the core training, I was able to share life and business lessons with classmates from across the country. Despite differences in location, industry, or background, I learned that women leaders face similar challenges. There’s a wealth of knowledge in women’s stories. Sharing makes us stronger and more resilient so that we can better identify solutions that impact our country and communities.

Dr. Tuff contributed to this article in her personal capacity. The views expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the United States government.

Posted on May 14, 2019.