Dr. Rolena Stephenson DHEd, MPH, MHA, MCHES
Department Chair in Health Sciences - College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Stephenson received her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Truman State University. She earned her master’s degrees in public health and health administration, and her doctoral degree in health education from A.T. Still University (ATSU). She is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) designated by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. to have advanced-level of competency/practice in health education. She has more than fifteen years of experience in prevention programming especially in the area of substance abuse prevention; tobacco prevention, cessation and control; gambling prevention; and oral health promotion at the local and state level.
Dr. Stephenson serves as chair of the Health Sciences Department in the College of Health and Human Services at Trident University International. Prior to joining Trident, she was a senior member of ATSU’s Sponsored Programs Department, where she provided grantsmanship expertise and grant-writing leadership to faculty and researchers for federal (i.e., NIH, HRSA, CDC, and SAMHSA), state, and private grants applications. She is experienced in research and knowledgeable in evidence-based programs. Furthermore, she is certified instructors for model programs that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for substance use. She worked with the Iowa Department of Public Health to develop a manual for prevention professionals entitled, School-based Collaboration: A Readiness Guide for Prevention Professionals. She served as a reviewer for the Substance Abuse journal Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse. Dr. Stephenson’s expertise are in coalitions/taskforce development, community needs assessments, program planning, and program implementation and evaluation.
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
- Master of Science in Health Sciences
- Stephenson, R. (2014, June 17). Program sustainability. Oral presentation and forum discussion for Oral Health Alliance. Northeast Missouri Health Council, Kirksville, Missouri.
- Stephenson, R. (2012, September 26). Strategic planning session. Oral presentation and forum discussion for Oral Health Alliance, Northeast Missouri Health Council, Kirksville, Missouri.
- Stephenson, R. (2011, February 10). Evidence-based prevention practices/programs. Oral presentation to Kirksville Area Health Initiative (KACHI) coalition. Northeast Missouri Health Council, Kirksville, Missouri.
- Stephenson, R. (2010, February 2). Substance abuse and addiction treatment and recovery. Oral presentation and discussion to interns and residents. Northeast Regional Medical Center, Kirksville, Missouri.
- Stephenson, R. & Wood, L. (2008, November 12). Developing a grant application and internal review. Presentation to interns and residents. Northeast Regional Medical Center, Kirksville, Missouri.
- Hadwiger, R. (2006, September 18). Understanding substance addiction. Oral presentation and discussion with Franklin County General Hospital, Hampton, Iowa.
- Hadwiger, R. (2006, March 23). Panel for underage drinking town hall meeting. Oral presentation and discussion with the community members of Worth County. Northwood, Iowa.
- Hadwiger, R. (2006, February 28). Social impact of substance abuse. Oral presentation and discussion with the Worth County Asset Team Coalition, Northwood, Iowa.
- Trustee Award FY2016, Trident University (2016)
- Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges Award (2001)
- All American Scholar (1998)
- National Collegiate Minority Leadership Award (1998)
- Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR), 2012-present
- Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA), 2008-present
- National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC), 2001-present
She is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) designated by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. to have advanced-level of competency/practice in health education. She has more than fifteen years of experience in prevention programming especially in the area of substance abuse prevention; tobacco prevention, cessation and control; gambling prevention; and oral health promotion at the local and state level. Prior to joining Trident, she was a senior member of A.T. Still University’s Sponsored Programs Department, where she provided grantsmanship expertise and grant-writing leadership to faculty and researchers for federal (i.e., NIH, HRSA, CDC, and SAMHSA), state, and private grants applications. She is experienced in research and knowledgeable in evidence-based programs. Furthermore, she is certified instructors for model programs that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for substance use. She worked with the Iowa Department of Public Health to develop a manual for prevention professionals entitled, School-based Collaboration: A Readiness Guide for Prevention Professionals. She served as a reviewer for the Substance Abuse journal Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse.
Work closely with Associated Dean and Dean to oversee bachelor- and master-level programs in the department and support implementation of University and academic strategic initiatives. Manage and mentor part-time faculty. Assist and oversee course development and curriculum enhancements. Assist in accreditation and assessment activities. Develop curriculum for health education courses. Facilitate courses in health sciences. Provide mentorship and assist students in their learning process as they explore and seek ways to contribute and make a difference in their field and society. Serve in various University committees (i.e., Faculty Work-life Committee, Policy Committee, and Academic Leadership Team).
Adjunct Faculty, Health & Exercise Science, Truman State University – School of Health Sciences & Education
Developed and facilitated courses for health sciences (i.e., Substance Abuse Prevention). Provided mentorship and assisted students in developing their skills as health professionals. Served as student resource.
Adjunct Instructor, Wellness Department, Waldorf College
Developed and implemented substance abuse curriculum. Served as mentor/counselor to students. Point of contact for substance abuse problem identification and referral.
Sponsored Projects Specialist, Sponsored Programs Department, A.T. Still University
A senior member of ATSU sponsored projects pre- and post-award development team. Provided grantsmanship expertise and grant-writing leadership to the University faculty. Responsible for development/writing and provided technical assistance in the development of several federal, state, and private grant applications (i.e. NIH-funded project, HRSA, MFH, AOA, Aetna Foundation, Kresge Foundation and others). Assisted in post-award reports and provide grants management expertise/oversight of awarded grants. Served in various University committees (i.e., Medical Emergency Response Team, Staff Council Member, and NIH-NCCAM KCOM R25 Advisory Committee Member).
Prevention Program Director, Prevention Department, Prairie Ridge Addiction Treatment Services
Administrative responsibilities. Wrote grant proposals and manages federal/state and private prevention grants (i.e., SAMHSA, CSAP, Iowa Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, North Central Iowa United Way Substance Abuse Programs and others). Oversaw prevention department activities. Conducted needs assessments, planned, implemented, and evaluated substance-abuse education/prevention programs for youth, adults, and other community members of 7 counties in North Central Iowa. Supervised and managed prevention staff. As Health Educator/Prevention Specialist—taught researched-based prevention programs such as Prime for Life, Life Skills Training, Reconnecting Youth, Strengthening Families, Project Alert, and Project Northland. Collaborated with community leaders to address information dissemination, education, alternative activities, problem-identification/referrals, policy making, and community-based processes regarding substance-abuse issues.
Research and Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology Department, Truman State University
Researched “Antibiotic Isolation from Myxobacteria.” Prepared laboratory equipment and media. Planned and supervised laboratory exercises for students.
