CBNN 40th Scholarship Luncheon

Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, is a distinguished nurse, researcher, and academic leader renowned for her extensive work in HIV/AIDS prevention and health promotion. She currently serves as Vice President for Health and Health Equity and Professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University. DREXEL UNIVERSITY Early Life and Education Born and raised in the Mantua neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Dr. Jemmott pursued her passion for nursing and health education with dedication. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hampton University, followed by a Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality Education from the University of Pennsylvania. AETNA Career and Research Dr. Jemmott is recognized as one of the nation's foremost researchers in HIV/AIDS prevention, particularly among African American adolescents. Throughout her career, she has been involved in securing over $150 million in federal funding to design and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across diverse populations in the United States and internationally, including countries like South Africa, Botswana, Jamaica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. DREXEL UNIVERSITY Her collaborative efforts with community-based organizations—such as churches, clinics, barbershops, housing developments, and schools—have been instrumental in translating research findings into practical, real-world applications. Notably, eight of her evidence-based interventions have been recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Adolescent Health for national and international dissemination. These programs are currently implemented in 48 states across the nation. DREXEL UNIVERSITY Academic and Professional Achievements Before joining Drexel University in 2015, Dr. Jemmott had a distinguished 20-year tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was celebrated for her contributions to nursing education and research. Her commitment to community health led to the development of Drexel’s Community Wellness HUB, a testament to her dedication to building healthy communities through engaged research and partnership. DREXEL UNIVERSITY Dr. Jemmott's excellence has been acknowledged through numerous accolades, including her election to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the National Association of Black Nursing Faculty and the University of Pennsylvania's Women of Color Helen O. Dickens Center. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. DREXEL UNIVERSITY Publications and Ongoing Work With over 100 peer-reviewed articles, books, and chapters to her name, Dr. Jemmott continues to influence the fields of nursing, public health, and behavioral intervention research. Her ongoing work at Drexel University involves mentoring faculty, leading implementation science research initiatives, and teaching courses on community engagement and intervention development. DREXEL UNIVERSITY Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott's career exemplifies a profound commitment to advancing health equity, community engagement, and the development of effective health promotion interventions.