Center for Public Partnerships & Research

CPPR’s Meghan Kluth and Chris Tilden, PhD are in sunny San Diego this week for the National Rural Health Association Annual Conference—and they’d love to connect with you! Stop by to say hello and learn how CPPR combines research, community engagement, and implementation expertise to help partners across the country create meaningful change. Curious about how we can support YOUR work? Learn more about us anytime at cppr.ku.edu. #RuralHealth

Excited to be attending the Open Plenary session of the #nrhaannualconference, featuring the director of the CMS Rural Health Transformation program. Look forward to hearing about state approaches to RHT and sharing the work of the Center for Public Partnerships & Research with attendees.

🌱 IRIS in Action Insight Series Join us June 11th, 10:30 am CST, for IRIS in Action: Building Connections to Home Visiting. Home visiting programs are a critical entry point for families—supporting early childhood development, strengthening family stability, and connecting caregivers to essential resources. In this IRIS in Action session, hear directly from IRIS community partners representing diverse roles in supporting home visiting connections and collaborative referral coordination. Register: https://lnkd.in/gU9fqayC

🎓 Congratulations, Erica! CPPR research project manager Erica Figueroa is receiving her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. "I pursued this degree because I believe mental health care should be accessible, compassionate, and available to everyone, not just those fortunate enough to live near resources and support systems. As a wife, mother, and professional, my family has continually reminded me of the importance of connection, empathy, and creating environments where people feel seen and supported." 🎉 CPPR joins you in celebration, Erica! #RockChalk #KUgrads

🎓 Congratulations, Darline! CPPR research project coordinator Darline Soto is receiving a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fort Hays State University. "After 11 years as an elementary and middle school educator, I witnessed firsthand the growing mental health needs of children, youth, and families, which inspired me to expand my impact beyond the classroom. In my current role as a research project coordinator supporting grant-funded initiatives focused on family well-being, this degree strengthens my ability to bring a clinical perspective to collaborative work with community partners. I’m grateful for this journey and look forward to continuing to support individuals, families, and communities through partnership, advocacy, and meaningful connection." 🎉 All of CPPR celebrates with you, Darline!

"Being a Jayhawk has truly meant so much to me. I’m going to miss the incredible sense of community, the warmth and support from faculty and peers, and the countless opportunities that helped me grow both personally and professionally. And of course, nothing compares to the energy and intensity of KU basketball season—it’s something really special to be a part of. As they say, once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk… ROCK CHALK!" 💙❤️ 🎓 Congratulations, Meeshal! CPPR's Meeshal Mehraj is graduating with honors, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with double minors in Business and Entrepreneurship, along with dual certifications in Professional Selling and Leadership Strategies and Applications. She hopes to continue her journey at KU, pursuing work opportunities and eventually attending graduate school. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at CPPR—especially my supervisor, Kaleena Erwin Stahr, and my mentor, Bridget Patti. Their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement have played such a meaningful role in my growth, both personally and professionally. I’m truly grateful for every lesson I’ve learned and every opportunity I’ve been given—it’s an experience I’ll always carry with me." 🎉 All of us at CPPR are honored to be part of your journey, Meeshal! #RockChalk #KUgrads

🎓 Congratulations, Merve! CPPR associate researcher Merve Akin-Tas, M.Ed. is receiving her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, specializing in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Advanced Statistics. "I pursued my Ph.D. because I have always been passionate about using research, evaluation, and data to better understand people’s experiences and support stronger systems for children, families, and communities. My doctoral work has strengthened the skills I use every day in my role at CPPR, including quantitative analysis, evaluation design, data visualization, and translating complex findings into meaningful information for programs and partners. This journey has also been deeply personal. Completing a Ph.D. while working full-time, raising my daughter, and navigating major life challenges has taught me the importance of resilience, persistence, support, and staying connected to my purpose. I am proud of myself for reaching this milestone, and I am grateful to my advisor, Dr. Neal Kingston, for his mentorship, and continued support. I am grateful to be part of CPPR, where my academic training and professional work come together in projects that aim to make a difference for Kansas communities." 🎉 The entire CPPR team celebrates your achievements, Merve! #RockChalk #KUgrads

🎓 Congratulations, Kaleena! CPPR research project manager Kaleena Erwin, LMSW, CPM is receiving her Master of Public Administration degree, adding to her Master of Social Work, received in 2020. "When I began my MSW program, I chose the clinical track because it offered broadly applicable skills, even though I was already drawn to the bigger picture of systems and policy. Over time, that perspective only deepened. I’ve come to see how closely connected policy and practice are, each shaping and informing the other. Pursuing my MPA felt like a natural next step. When I joined KU, I completed the Certified Public Manager program, which counted toward the MPA, and with KU’s tuition assistance, it made the decision even easier. More importantly, the degree has helped me strengthen my ability to connect day-to-day work with larger systems change efforts. Having both an MSW and MPA allows me to approach my work as both a social worker and a public administrator, grounding systems-level thinking in real-world practice and community experience." 🎉 Everyone at CPPR celebrates your success, Kaleena! #RockChalk #KUgrads

Let’s work together to expand access and save lives. 🤝 Did you know that currently fewer than 4% of opioid use disorder cases in Kansas are benefiting from MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder)—the gold standard and best practice for treatment? On May 4, the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board announced a significant funding opportunity to expand access to MOUD statewide. 📌 https://bit.ly/49gnUAK The United to Transform statewide SUD needs assessment, prepared by CPPR, offers comprehensive insights to help build a strong, competitive proposal. 📌 https://bit.ly/41Xb6vx CPPR brings expertise in program design, outcomes definition, project evaluation, multi-sector collaboration, and meaningful community engagement. Let’s work together to expand access and save lives. 📧 Contact us today at CPPRsolutions@ku.edu.