First-generation public health graduate passionate for healthy food access in West Virginia
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. ⏤ First-generation graduate Connor Stricklen is one step closer to his long-term career goal: creating a nonprofit organization to improve access to healthy food in West Virginia.
“As someone who has lived their entire life in West Virginia, I have seen the desperate need to make healthy food more accessible and that is why it is my area of emphasis,” Stricklen said.
This May, the Charleston, West Virginia, native will graduate from West Virginia University School of Public Health with a bachelor’s degree in public health.
Stricklen initially chose to pursue a path in public health because of his passion for preventative care.
“Public health plays a big part in improving the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the communities around us,” he said. “The emphasis public health has on preventative care allows us to aid individuals before certain problems occur in their lives.”
During his time in the WVU School of Public Health, Stricklen built strong relationships with faculty and staff. He said he was especially influenced by Scot McIntosh, assistant dean for student affairs.
“Mr. McIntosh was an amazing instructor but an even better outlet for myself and other students to come talk to about various things, whether it be public health related or even just about life,” Stricklen said. “Having an instructor like Mr. McIntosh creates a safe and healthy environment in the School of Public Health, and I am eternally grateful for him.”
Along with forming relationships, Stricklen has also completed multiple internships. In Morgantown, Stricklen worked with Project Healthy Kids Inc, Pantry Plus More and the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center. He also served as a healthy food initiative entrepreneur for FamilyCare Health Centers, where he created food gardens, garden clubs and pop-up farmers markets at low-income schools in Charleston, West Virginia. These experiences gave him skills that extended beyond the classroom.
Stricklen also served as secretary of the Student Association of Public Health, which has helped him form lasting friendships with fellow students.
After graduation, Stricklen plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences before launching his nonprofit organization to expand healthy food access in the state. While completing his master’s, Stricklen will also continue his work with the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center as the community outreach and data specialist.
“The School of Public Health is a school that cares about their students, not only while they are in school but also about their future career post-schooling,” he said. “They provide many resources to help with future career paths and also teach their students the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in a professional setting.”
-WVU-
po/05/13/25
CONTACT: Lindsay Wiles
Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Public Health
304.293.1699; lindsay.wiles@hsc.wvu.edu