STAFF ROFILE
Dr. Tonya S. Roberson is a University Lecturer and the Community Outreach
and Engagement Coordinator for Community Health in the College of Health and
Human Services at Governors State University. She brings over twenty years of
experience in biobehavioral and clinical research, with expertise in community
engagement, program development, needs assessments, culturally tailored
initiatives, survey design, evaluation, and research recruitment.
Dr. Roberson’s work centers on
advancing health equity and addressing health disparities impacting African
American communities in urban settings through prevention-focused health
education and trusted community partnerships. She is well connected throughout
Chicagoland and is known for her ability to build relationships that strengthen
community trust, increase participation in public health initiatives, and
improve access to culturally relevant resources and services.
A key part of Dr. Roberson’s legacy
work is transforming communities into classrooms by creating hands-on learning
opportunities where students gain real-world public health experience through
service learning, applied projects, and community-based workforce development
partnerships. Through this approach, she prepares future professionals to lead
with cultural humility, compassion, and accountability while supporting
healthier, more empowered communities.