Dr. Rufus Barfield represents NSCM through leadership in maternal health advocacy and youth mental health education initiatives across Central Florida.
By: Majdulina Hamed | Published March 9, 2026
Pictured from left to right: Wendy H. Brandon, CEO of UCF Lake Nona Hospital, Kerri Stephen, Executive Director of Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County, Dr. Debra German, Dean of UCF College of Medicine, Dr. Rufus Barfield, Chairman of Board of Directors and Associate Professor UCF NSCM and Charnae DeBose, the Community Health Manager of UCF College of Medicine.
Dr. Rufus Barfield, associate professor at the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM), is extending UCF’s impact beyond the classroom through leadership in community health and youth development initiatives across Central Florida.
Barfield is currently representing NSCM in two major engagements: participation in an awards program, the Community Health Advancement Grant Awards at UCF Lake Nona Hospital and at the Osceola County Youth Summit through his role as chairman of the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County Board of Directors.
“It means a great deal for me to represent UCF NSCM in these community and health-focused initiatives,” Barfield says. “My representation on behalf of the university in these capacities is value added to the university and communities that I am working within.”
As chairman of the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County, Barfield helps guide the organization’s mission to promote the health and well-being of mothers, babies and families. The coalition works to reduce infant mortality, low birth weight and preterm births while increasing access to essential prenatal and post-natal services.
“Our main goal is giving every child in Osceola County the strongest start possible,” Barfield says.
In his leadership role, Barfield helps shape the coalition’s vision, secure resources and executes the the nonprofit’s objectives. The coalition also emphasizes outreach to fathers through its TEAM Dad program, which provides education and support designed to strengthen families and improve child health outcomes.
Barfield says his background in communication plays a critical role in advancing the coalition’s outreach and sustainability efforts. Through years of engaging with university leadership and local and state government officials, he has developed networks of professional relationships and communication strategies that support funding, reporting and long-term program development.
“My ability to effectively communicate across various publics and develop and sustain influential relationships has been critical in helping support the coalition’s work,” he says.
Barfield’s community engagement also includes leading mental health sessions at the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County Youth Summit, which brought together more than 70 middle school and high school students.
Inspired by the growing mental health challenges facing young people following the COVID-19 pandemic, Barfield developed and delivered content focused on stress management, mindfulness and emotional resilience.
“I know that many youths suffer with mental health challenges often in silence,” he says. “Youth need and desire knowledgeable, safe resources for addressing their concerns.”
A certified wellness coach through the Art of Living Foundation, Barfield incorporated breathwork, meditation and mindfulness strategies into his sessions. Key takeaways included understanding that it is okay to ask for help, recognition of thoughts that do not define identity and learning practical tools to manage stress and anxiety.
“It’s important to have conversations about mental health because there are misunderstandings and stigmas that often get in the way of clarity and support,” he says.
Barfield views his community work as deeply connected to his role at NSCM.
“In the classroom, my goal — no matter the subject — is to teach students how to think,” he says. “When we teach students how to think as opposed to what to think, we empower them for a productive life.”
He believes academic impact extends beyond publications to meaningful service and engagement.
“A good academician is not based solely on the number of articles generated, but on the value added to the academic community and the community at large,” Barfield says.
These experiences inform his teaching, research and mentorship at UCF, strengthening his ability to prepare students for careers in health communication, public service and community engagement.
For students interested in pursuing similar paths, Barfield encourages building professional networks, volunteering and seeking mentorship from faculty engaged in community leadership.
“Cultivate professional relationships, seek opportunities to serve and ask how you can contribute,” he says.
Through sustained service, leadership and mentorship, Barfield exemplifies NSCM’s commitment to scholarship that advances communities and prepares students to lead with purpose.