McElroy-Jones to deliver USI School of Graduate Studies Commencement Address

The speaker for the School of Graduate Studies Ceremony is Dr. Kimberly McElroy-Jones, a 2013 Master of Health Administration graduate. She also earned a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership from Purdue University; a master's degree in adult education from Indiana University; a doctorate in organization and management from Capella University; and a doctorate in ministry from the United Theological Seminary.

McElroy-Jones is the Director of Community Partnerships for Community Health at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. In her role, she is instrumental in developing and executing strategic plans that fortify community partnerships with a keen focus on addressing social determinants of health. McElroy-Jones' collaborative efforts with the Social Determinants of Health team and Eskenazi staff have significantly impacted health outcomes in Marion County.

As a dedicated ambassador for Eskenazi Health, she has played a pivotal role in cultivating relationships with the Eskenazi Health Foundation, attracting crucial financial support for programs addressing social determinants of health. Known for staying abreast of best practices and emerging trends, McElroy-Jones has been a driving force in formalizing partnerships with community-based organizations, developing grant proposals and actively contributing to projects related to social determinants of health, health equity and community development.

In addition to her role at Eskenazi Health, she serves as Director of Diversity Engagement at Hands of Hope. McElroy-Jones serves as a conduit to diverse churches and expands Hands of Hope's network to better serve children in foster care and adoption. She also organizes diversity and inclusion training for Hands of Hope and supports staff in launching diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Achieving the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation in 2020, McElroy-Jones also holds a Project Management Certificate from IUPUI Continuing Studies and Lean Six Sigma certificates (Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma and Black Belt) from Villanova University. Additionally, she earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and a Human Resources Management Certificate from Purdue University School of Engineering and Technology. This diverse skill set reflects her commitment to excellence in organizational management.

Notably, she serves as a Board-Certified Fellow in Healthcare Management for the American College of Healthcare Executives; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair for the Firefly Children and Family Alliance; Treasurer on the Indiana Healthy Marriage and Family Coalition Board of Directors; and as a member on the Avondale Meadows YMCA and United Northeast Community Development Corporation Boards of Directors.