Tonya S. Roberson, Ph.D., MPH, DT

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.