Dr. Martha Ravola accepts new roles with family and consumer science organizations
One of Alcorn State University’s leading faculty members is expanding her leadership to organizations off-campus while remaining in her position with the University.
Dr. Martha Ravola, chair and associate professor for the Department of Human Sciences, is the new chair-elect for the 1890 Council of Administrators of Family and Consumer Sciences (CAFCS). She is also a new member of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Board of Directors. Ravola will serve in these roles while remaining in her position at Alcorn.
CAFCS is a national organization of individuals who hold administrative roles in family and consumer sciences at colleges and universities. The organization’s mission is to strengthen family and consumer sciences and related units in higher education through the development of excellence and administration.
The AAFCS’s mission is to provide leadership and support to professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.
Ravola feels privileged to work with the programs in a larger capacity. She appreciates her peers’ confidence in her leadership ability.
“It is an honor to serve these prestigious organizations,” said Ravola.“I feel that my colleagues have the confidence in me to fulfill this responsibility of leadership and service.”
The new positions allow Ravola to represent Alcorn in new spaces, providing more exposure for the University.
“These opportunities will help further strengthen the land-grant mission of Alcorn in leadership and professional development as it will help identify opportunities for funding and programs in cooperative extension, resources for curricula development, and collaborations with professionals to address pressing societal needs. It will also create opportunities for service to improve the well-being of families and communities while providing visibility for Alcorn.”
Ravola hopes to promote more student roles in the profession by creating modern-day job opportunities.
“I want to encourage student engagement and leadership in the profession. I want to improve collaboration between disciplines through research and service. Ultimately, through research, education, and service, improve the well-being of families and communities. Also, I hope to help create career pathways that are befitting for the 21st-century workforce and draw professionals from various disciplines.”
