Salute to Faculty Excellence

Congratulations to Jomella Watson-Thompson of the Applied Behavioral Science and Life Span Institutes of KU, the sixth honoree in KU’s new Salute to Faculty Excellence program!

Watson-Thompson was recognized on 11/11 at the KU-Texas Tech football game for research that strives to create safe and supportive communities where all young people can thrive. She collaborates with community partners in the Kansas City metro area to prevent youth violence. Together, they are helping us understand the factors that make it difficult for young people to succeed, and then creating supports that clear the pathway toward their healthy futures. As a researcher, Watson-Thompson studies how well these efforts work to make lasting change for young people and the communities where they live, work and play. For her investment in the safety and well-being of Kansas youth — and for building healthy communities through research and collaboration — Professor Watson-Thompson has earned a Salute to Faculty Excellence.