Myia Graves

Dr. Myia L. Graves is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she also serves as the Health Sciences Program Coordinator. She earned her PhD in Health Education from the University of Cincinnati, her MA in Health Studies from the University of Alabama, and her BS in Health Studies from the University of Alabama.

Dr. Graves teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Social Determinants of Health, Introduction to Epidemiology, Program Planning, Health in Media, and graduate-level courses such as Epidemiology, Health Counseling, and Stress Management. She is committed to preparing students for careers in health education and public health, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and applied practice.

Her research interests focus on health behaviors across the lifespan, health disparities, body image, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among children, adolescents, and special populations. She has published in journals such as the Journal of Health and Physical Literacy, Journal of Aging Science and Gerontology, American Journal of Health Studies, and the Journal of Asthma. She is also the author of the children’s book Leah and a Grocery Story (2023).

Dr. Graves has presented her work at national and regional conferences, including the Health and Physical Literacy Summit, the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, and the Society for Public Health Education Conference. She has also received research and travel support from Southeastern’s Center for Faculty Excellence.

In addition to her scholarship and teaching, Dr. Graves provides extensive service to Southeastern, having chaired search and scholarship committees, served on Faculty Senate, and contributed to curriculum development. She is also active in professional organizations, including the National Academy of Health & Physical Literacy, the American Public Health Association, and the Society for Public Health Education.