Using Talents and Education for Global Health Improvement

Princess Magor Agbozo approaches every opportunity with utmost seriousness, seizing each chance to lead, serve, and represent. Her impressive list of accomplishments ranges from research awards to being recognized as the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer and reigning Homecoming Queen at the University of Kentucky, where she is an international student.

As the day of her commencement at Rupp Arena draws near, the word “opportunity” resonates strongly with Agbozo. Growing up in Ghana and now residing in Qatar with her family, graduating from the University of Kentucky was never a foreseen possibility.

“For me personally, graduating from the University of Kentucky means more opportunities,” Agbozo expressed. “Obtaining this degree opens doors to spaces I never imagined being a part of.”

Following the conferral of her public health degree, Agbozo will embark on a new chapter by pursuing a master’s degree in public health at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She views this as an exceptional opportunity to further develop her skills and knowledge as a public health professional and practitioner.

Agbozo aspires to eventually return to Ghana and contribute to the enhancement of the public health system in her home country. Her passion lies in global health, driven by her personal experiences with family and friends, which have revealed disparities within the public health system. Her goal is to eliminate these disparities and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all.

“In my lifetime, I have witnessed health being perceived as a luxury for some, when it should be a basic right accessible to everyone,” Agbozo explained, emphasizing her dedication to making a difference.

As Princess Magor Agbozo prepares to embark on her next academic journey at Harvard, her commitment to leveraging her education for the betterment of global health remains unwavering.

Embarking on a Distant College Journey

Starting her college journey from a distance, Agbozo commenced her remarkable career at the University of Kentucky from over 7,000 miles away. As a first-generation student, she embarked on her college experience in the fall of 2020 amidst the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being remotely located in Qatar, Agbozo actively engaged with the campus community and familiarized herself with it to ensure a smooth transition upon her arrival.

Through online platforms like Zoom, Agbozo connected with her first student organization, the Student Activities Board (SAB). Throughout her time at UK, she held multiple positions within SAB, which provided her with valuable opportunities to develop her leadership skills.

Reflecting on her involvement with SAB, Agbozo expressed gratitude for the experiences it offered, such as working collaboratively with various individuals, engaging with faculty and staff, and identifying ways to enhance the student experience on campus.

It wasn’t until January 17, 2021, that Agbozo set foot on the UK campus. Embracing the in-person experience wholeheartedly, she took on roles as a resident adviser, an international student ambassador, and an ambassador for the College of Public Health.

As an international first-generation student, Agbozo found invaluable support and guidance from the UK International Center. She acknowledged the center’s assistance in familiarizing herself with college life, accessing necessary resources, and navigating classes and interactions with professors.

Within the College of Public Health, Agbozo appreciated the close-knit relationship between students and faculty. She specifically cherished her research work with professors Maureen Jones, Ph.D., from the College of Public Health, and Adebola Adegboyega, Ph.D., from the College of Nursing. Their qualitative research approach resonated with Agbozo’s interests, as she values understanding people’s experiences and learning from them. Through their mentorship, Agbozo gained a deeper understanding of the importance of active listening in the research process.

Agbozo also discovered a sense of community and mentorship within the Lewis Honors College. Her time in the college was enriching, and she highlighted the transformative impact of the Rising Leaders program, considering it one of the best programs she experienced at the university. Through this initiative, Agbozo gained insights into leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, effective self-presentation, networking, and personal growth as a leader.

Princess Magor Agbozo’s journey at the University of Kentucky, starting from a distance, has been marked by her active involvement in student organizations, her dedication to academic pursuits, and her appreciation for the mentorship and support she received along the way.

Creating a Positive Impact

Agbozo’s commitment to representing students of color is evident in her involvement and recognition within the University of Kentucky (UK) community. As a recipient of the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award, named after the first Black American student to attend the university, she has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the College of Public Health.

Agbozo’s impact as an international student has also resonated with others on campus. When she was crowned Homecoming Queen, she received positive feedback from fellow international students who found it encouraging to see someone from their community in such a position. Agbozo recognizes the importance of being a source of hope and inspiration for others, demonstrating that dreams can be achieved not only within the academic realm but also as a leader who positively impacts the campus community.

Furthermore, Agbozo’s influence extends beyond the boundaries of the university. Her family abroad has taken notice of her achievements and the possibilities that come with a quality education. As the first in her community to attend college, she serves as an example not only for her siblings but also for her extended family. Through her hard work, goal attainment, personal growth, and dedication to education, she has highlighted the importance of pursuing higher education and has shown her family the transformative power it can have.

Princess Magor Agbozo’s representation of students of color, her recognition as a Torch Bearer, and her role as Homecoming Queen have allowed her to inspire and encourage others, both on and off campus. Her success serves as a reminder that education can be a catalyst for personal growth and positive change, transcending boundaries and inspiring those around her to strive for their own aspirations.

The University of Kentucky (UK) is committed to advancing the Commonwealth as the state’s flagship, land-grant institution. Its mission revolves around preparing the next generation of leaders, placing students at the center of its endeavors, and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research, creative work, service, and healthcare.

As a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, UK takes pride in being a hub of ingenuity. With 200 academic programs, a robust $476.5 million research and development enterprise, and a world-class medical center, the university fosters an environment that encourages visionary thinking, disruption, and pioneering efforts.

UK’s commitment to excellence is recognized by external organizations. In 2022, Forbes ranked the university as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads,” acknowledging its dedication to supporting and fostering the professional growth of recent graduates. Additionally, UK was named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, underscoring its commitment to creating a community of belonging where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.

While the university has evolved since its establishment in 1865, its core vision of serving the Commonwealth and the world remains unchanged. UK continues to be a driving force in advancing Kentucky through its multifaceted contributions and dedication to making a positive impact on society. As the University for Kentucky, it is committed to empowering individuals, driving innovation, and shaping a brighter future for the state and beyond.