KU News Release

43 public health representatives earn certificates at KU management center

TOPEKA - A total of 43 Kansas public health employees earned Public Health Certificates in Dec. 13 ceremonies at the State Capitol for completion of a program offered by the University of Kansas Public Management Center.

Marvin G. Stottlemire, assistant director of KU Public Management Center, was keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.

The graduates represent 20 local health departments and the Department of Health and Environment. Participants of the program are required to attend two days of classes each month for one calendar year, beginning in January. The curriculum includes courses in public health fundamentals, epidemiology, environmental health, leadership and community development.

The Public Health Certificate is considered the cornerstone public health credential in Kansas. The program is offered by the KU Public Management Center in partnership with the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Kansas Health Foundation generously provides scholarships to many students.

“The certificate represents the heartfelt commitment of our graduates to excellent public health services in every corner of Kansas,” said Charles Jones, Public Management Center director. “While managing full-time jobs, these students and their sponsoring agencies somehow find time and energy for this rigorous program. Their dedication to public health in Kansas is truly inspiring.”

The program's faculty consists of academics and practitioners from the KU, Kansas State University, the KU Medical School, local health departments and KDHE. Most instructors are unpaid volunteers, committed to public health excellence.

The 2006 program participants are listed below by their employer’s city, their names and their employers.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.