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Dr. Cynthia Steele |
 Dr. Acquanetta Pinkard |
By Hazel Scott/ASU
University College at Alabama State University has received a $20,000 grant from the Truth Initiative Foundation. This funding will enable the college to promote student health and wellness through campuswide efforts, including encouraging a smoke-free environment, disseminating information about the risks of tobacco and vaping, and providing resources for healthy living to students, faculty, and staff. The grant will fund a two-year project.
Project Leadership and Goals
Dr. Cynthia Steele and Dr. Acquanetta Pinkard will lead the project. Both have strong backgrounds in supporting student success and well-being. They will guide educational programs, peer outreach, and use proven strategies to help reduce tobacco use and build a healthier campus community.
Dr. Pinkard highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative.
"Through collaboration with other campus entities, this grant provides resources and information that will support our current smoke-free policy, but also (provide) an opportunity for students to understand the adverse effects of nicotine and vaping."
Dr. Steele expressed gratitude for receiving the grant from the Truth Initiative.
“We are excited about the cross-campus partnership that will support the goals of this important initiative. Dr. Pinkard and I are enthusiastic about the opportunity to promote a tobacco-free campus and raise awareness throughout our campus community," explained Steele.
Holistic Development and Support
The project team agreed that this partnership with the Truth Initiative Foundation shows University College’s commitment to helping students grow in all areas, not just in. academics.
“The college aims to provide a safe and supportive place for students to learn and develop,” Pinkard said.