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GAINESVILLE, Fla. � In recognition of her work to build healthier communities and providing hundreds with power over cancer, , has received a 2024 from the office of U.S. President Joe Biden.

Tucker, the UF Florida Blue Endowed Chair in Health Disparities Research and a member, was recognized for more than 4,000 hours of work. The award is from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and led by AmeriCorps in partnership with Points of Light. Tucker received an award and letter from the President’s Office, both signed by Biden.

“Dr. Tucker has totally changed the way many people view their health and has impacted our community in more ways than one,� said Supt. Kenyarda Feathers, pastor of Williams Temple Church of God in Christ in Gainesville who works with Tucker to bring effective health interventions to the community. “There is now a greater awareness of our health and the overall well-being of our community. She is a true pioneer of goodwill and honor.�

Tucker has dedicated her career to creating programs that promote health equity, mental well-being, physical health, and food security in low-income communities in Gainesville and Jacksonville. Her research aims to break down health inequity, promote culturally sensitive health care, and fight obesity, hypertension, and obesity-related cancers. She founded the to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and stress and depression management.

As director of the BOBÌåÓý Cancer Center’s , Tucker leads a team of faith leaders and researchers working to prevent and reduce cancers among East Gainesville residents. Through the collaborative, she has organized , a series of gatherings that allow the Cancer Center to share information about cancer prevention, care, and research.

“I am truly grateful to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden for two reasons,� Tucker said. “First, it made me reflect on my core belief that our true worth as human beings should be measured by what we do to improve the lives of others. Second, this award reminds me of a lesson from my father, which is to just help others without telling the world about what you have done. This lesson was reinforced in the words of his favor hymn, titled ‘Let the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me.’�

Tucker is a distinguished alumni professor, a research professor in psychology, and a courtesy professor in community health and family medicine.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2002 by President George H.W. Bush to recognize U.S. citizens who work for the benefit of their communities and the nation.