Public Health Dean Elected to Lead Accrediting Council

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2009) — Dr. Stephen W. Wyatt, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, has been elected president of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The council is the only accrediting body in public health education to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Wyatt was elected to a one-year term beginning in January 2010. 

As a discipline, public health has been assertive in identifying a group of skill sets for individuals in the practice community. To gain accreditation from CEPH, schools must demonstrate adequate preparation for students in the areas of academics, research and service.

"CEPH is nationally recognized for leading the way in competency-based education," Wyatt said. "The organization has made a real difference in the quality of public health training and it is gaining interest from around the world."

Wyatt's experience and expertise make him the right man for the job, says Laura Rasar King, executive director of CEPH.

“Steve Wyatt’s many years of experience in public health practice coupled with his academic and administrative experience position him well to lead the Council," King said. "His commitment to public health, to students and to building relationships will be critical as education in public health is rapidly growing and changing. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with him as we move forward and face new challenges."

Wyatt says his new leadership role will lead to greater visibility for the College of Public Health and for UK. That sentiment was shared by Dr. Joel Lee, associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Georgia.

"As the accrediting body in public health education, CEPH defines a standard of quality and performance improvement benefiting the population's health through the achievements of program graduates and faculty," Lee said. "It is a noteworthy compliment to the UK College of Public Health and Dean Wyatt to be recognized by his election as president of the CEPH Board."

Prior to his appointment as dean of UK's College of Public Health, Wyatt was a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. During his 20 years of service, he held assignments with the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At CDC, Wyatt served as director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control and as acting deputy director of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 

Wyatt's contributions have included the development of many programs, including the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the National Program of Cancer Registries. In 1995, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recognized Wyatt with its Betty Ford Award, and in 2002, the American Cancer Society honored him with its Distinguished Service Award.

Wyatt holds a master's degree in public health from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also holds a doctorate of dental medicine degree from UK.