Alcorn State University is celebrating the remarkable achievement of Dr. Tonya Moore, PhD, RN, who has been selected as a 2024-2025 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow. This prestigious fellowship, administered by the National Academy of Medicine, recognizes outstanding health professionals’ significant contributions and dedication to health policy.
Dr. Moore, a native of Fayette, Mississippi, is among only seven health professionals chosen for this competitive program. The fellowship boasts a rich history of over 300 alumni over a span of 50 years. It attracts mid-career health professionals, behavioral and social scientists, and experts from various healthcare fields nationwide.
“I am honored to be the first Mississippi nurse to join this esteemed community,” said Moore. “As a healthcare leader and educator, I understand that equitable policies are vital for healthier communities and a strong healthcare workforce. Nurses play a crucial role in shaping health policy. I am eager to learn from others and leverage my Mississippi experiences to contribute to conversations and solutions around health equity challenges.”
A Closer Look at the Fellow
In addition to being the first Mississippi nurse selected for the fellowship, Dr. Moore holds another groundbreaking distinction. She is the first African American president elected to the Mississippi Nurses Association Board of Directors.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Moore credits her involvement with the National Black Nurses Association for inspiring her pursuit of the fellowship. “As a lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association, I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible benefits of professional development and networking within the NBNA community,” Moore stated. “Attending the 51st Annual Institute and Conference in Atlanta, Ga. in 2023 was a pivotal moment when I discovered the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship program. During a session on achieving health equity, I found myself surrounded by esteemed NBNA members, including Dr. Sheldon Fields – the current NBNA president, who are alumni of the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship program. Their inspiring stories motivated me to apply for the fellowship.”
The fellowship entails spending a year in Washington, D.C., engaging with health-related legislative and regulatory issues. Dr. Moore says she is particularly passionate about addressing systemic challenges that contribute to health disparities, especially access to healthcare in marginalized communities.“I hope to leverage my voice and Mississippi experiences to address challenges and seek solutions around these issues.”
Dr. Moore’s educational background at Alcorn State University has played an integral role in her development as a healthcare leader. “I am proud to be an alumna of Alcorn, where I received the education and support that laid the groundwork for my successful career as a nurse and leader,” she said.
