Michele Walsh
Michele Walsh, PhD, provides leadership for statewide programs that strengthen health, well-being, and economic vitality across Arizona communities as Associate Director for Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. I oversee a network of Extension professionals working in areas such as community nutrition education and food access, family and youth development, early childhood systems, and community health and wellness. My work focuses on building partnerships that connect university research with local priorities and on developing strategies to sustain and grow Extension’s community-based workforce.
In this role, I collaborate with state and county leaders, health and human service agencies, and university partners to guide strategic planning, evaluation, and workforce development. I also help position Cooperative Extension as a key partner in addressing health equity, nutrition security, and rural well-being throughout Arizona.
My academic work continues to focus on community-engaged research and evaluation, with an emphasis on translating evidence into practice through accessible, data-driven solutions. I am a Professor in Human Development and Family Science, and Affiliated Faculty with the Institute for LGBT Studies.
Degrees
- PhD