Syracuse University Falk College Public Health
435G White Hall
Syracuse, New York 13244

315.443.9808
lwcowart@syr.edu

CV available upon request

Luvenia Cowart

Ed.D., RN
Professor of Practice

As a Professor of Practice, Professor Cowart’s primary responsibility involves directing minority health initiatives to develop academic and community partnerships to reduce health disparities and promote health and healthy lifestyles among minority communities as consistent with the Healthy People 2030 federal mandate. Professor Cowart is also the Executive Director and Founder of The Genesis Health Project, a community-designed, culturally competent program to reduce obesity and promote healthy lifestyles among African Americans in Syracuse, New York.

Education

Ed.D., Adult Education/Administration, Syracuse University

M.S., Rehabilitation and Vocational Counseling, Syracuse University

M.S., Community Health Nursing, Syracuse University

B.S., Nursing Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan

Specialization

Health disparities; health literacy; culturally competent healthcare; health promotion in faith-based environments; culturally appropriate health literature; obesity and healthy lifestyle interventions for African Americans/minorities; men's health/prostate cancer among men of color; diabetes prevention and management among vulnerable populations and Alzheimer’s/Dementia caregiver support for African American families.

Research Projects

Genesis Health Project Network

Professor Cowart leads the Genesis Health Project (GHP) Network, a University-community collaboration to educate and empower community members to adopt and maintain positive health behaviors, attitudes, values and practices. The network’s aim is to reduce health disparities among minority populations in greater Syracuse and Central New York. The GHP model infrastructure includes ten inner-city churches, a Pastor’s Health Council and lay health advocate volunteers from the church congregations. Educational programs have focused on obesity, diabetes prevention and management, and prostate, colorectal and breast cancers and Alzheimer’s/Dementia caregiver support for African Americans.