School of Social Work News
Jaclynn Hawkins Appointed New Curtis Center DirectorAssociate Professor Jaclynn Hawkins was appointed the director of the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training Center, effective January 2024. She has previously served as both associate director (2021-present) and acting director (2022-2023).
Hawkins received her PhD in Social Work and Sociology through the School’s Joint Doctoral Program in 2015 and joined the School faculty in 2018. She brings extensive experience in conducting research on health care disparities. Her research focuses on identifying the causes of physical health disparities between Black men and non-Hispanic white men, and creating and evaluating diabetes health interventions with an emphasis on addressing the unique needs of Black men. Much of her work focuses on the intersection of race, age and gender in diabetes diagnosis and self-management in Black men. She is the principal investigator of the Michigan Men’s Diabetes Project, the co-director of the Michigan Center for Diabetes Translational Research Pilot/Feasibility Program and an Institute for Implementation Science Scholar.
The Curtis Center is named in honor and recognition of the generous support of Dr. James Curtis, MD ’46, and his wife, Vivian Curtis, MSW ’48, who shared a lifetime of collaboration blending medicine and social work. They provide ongoing inspiration to make positive change possible.
Hawkins succeeds Professor Daphne Watkins, who directed the center from 2018-2023. Assistant Professor Anao Zhang is the new associate director.
- January 3, 2024
- Jaclynn Hawkins Receives Three-Year Grant from The American Diabetes Association
Associate Professor Jaclynn Hawkins has received a three-year Innovative Transformational Research to Reduce Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity in Diabetes grant from the American Diabetes Association for her study, “Program AACTIVE (African Americans Coming Together to Increase Vital Exercise): A Combination CBT and Physical Activity Intervention for Black Men with Type 2 Diabetes.”
- December 13, 2022
- Jaclynn Hawkins Named Member of Institute for Implementation Science Scholars 2022-24 Cohort
Jaclynn Hawkins has been named a member of the Institute for Implementation Science Scholars 2022-24 cohort. The two-year mentored training program is for investigators interested in applying dissemination and implementation methods and strategies to reduce the burden of chronic disease and address health inequities.
- July 5, 2022
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- Jaclynn Hawkins is the New Associate Director of the Curtis Center
Assistant Professor Jaclynn Hawkins has been appointed as the new Associate Director of the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training, where she is a Signature Program faculty affiliate. "I was the recipient of the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship as a PhD student which made a huge difference in my life. I'm thrilled to be able to give back through this position in the Curtis Center for Health Equity,” says Hawkins. “I am excited to help make our center a leader in health equity research, training and community outreach. We have many exciting things on the horizon and with a strong team of staff, students and faculty, the possibilities are endless." The Curtis Center team are thought leaders, scientists, community organizers, practitioners and educators dedicated to cutting-edge research, education, training and community outreach. Since its establishment in 2008, the center has been a catalyst for social change in underserved communities.
- August 25, 2021
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- Jaclynn Hawkins Awarded R21 Research Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Assistant Professor Jaclynn Hawkins received an R21 research grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases entitled "Diabetes Self-Management Intervention for African American Men." The goal of this project is to develop and preliminarily validate the effectiveness of an adapted Peer Leader Diabetes Self-Management Support intervention designed to improve diabetes-related self-management behaviors in Black men with Type 2 Diabetes.
- July 9, 2021
- Jaclynn Hawkins Will Assess Men’s Health Event In Relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Each year the Michigan Men’s Health Foundation holds a Men’s Health Event in Metro Detroit, which offers low-income men free health and mental health screenings. Research consistently demonstrates that these groups of men are more likely to experience undiagnosed or sub-optimally managed chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Assistant Professor Jaclynn Hawkins has received a grant to both evaluate the impact of this event on health behaviors, and to assess health behaviors and outcomes in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the Michigan Institute for Clinical Health Research, this study will help health care professionals better meet the needs of this at-risk group, while taking into account the specific health needs during the pandemic.
“Low-income men in metro Detroit are one of the most at-risk and vulnerable groups during the pandemic, this research will ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met during this critical time,” Hawkins said.
- April 15, 2020
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- Jaclynn Hawkins Defends Dissertation, "Social Determinants of Diabetes Self-Management and Health Care Use in African American and Latino Men with Type 2 Diabetes"
Jackie Hawkins successfully defended her dissertation entitled, "Social Determinants of Diabetes Self-Management and Health Care Use in African American and Latino Men with Type 2 Diabetes". She now holds a PhD in Social Work and Sociology and has accepted an Assistant Professor position with the School of Social Work at Michigan State University.
- March 13, 2015