Philanthropy Endowed Chairs & Faculty

The Development Dimensions International (DDI) Professorship in Behavioral Health was established through the generosity of DDI, a global human resources and leadership development firm. With a mission deeply rooted in shaping better workplaces and improving leadership effectiveness, DDI recognized the critical role behavioral health plays in public well-being. Their support for this endowed professorship reflects a commitment to advancing behavioral health research and education that addresses real-world challenges. The professorship is currently held by Dr. Marc Kiviniemi, whose work continues to strengthen the College’s impact in promoting healthier communities through evidence-based behavioral strategies.

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Named in honor of Dr. F. Douglas "Scutch" Scutchfield, this professorship recognizes a visionary leader who was instrumental in founding the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. A tireless advocate for advancing public health systems and services research, Dr. Scutchfield dedicated his career to improving population health and building the public health workforce. The professorship bearing his name honors his legacy and supports continued scholarship in public health innovation and leadership. Dr. Min-Woong Sohn currently holds the professorship, continuing Dr. Scutchfield’s work to improve public health through system-level solutions.

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The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY) established this endowed chair to address the persistent health disparities in Kentucky’s rural communities. With a focus on transforming health policy, FHKY’s support empowers research and outreach efforts that influence sustainable change in underserved regions. Their investment reflects a long-standing commitment to health equity, preventive care, and strong local health systems. Dr. Angela Carman serves as the current chairholder, leveraging this position to strengthen rural health initiatives across the Commonwealth.

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The Kate Spade & Company Foundation established this endowment to elevate research and interventions in violence against women, especially around mental health and well-being. Informed by the company's advocacy for women's empowerment and resilience, the endowment supports groundbreaking work addressing issues such as trauma, depression, and suicide prevention. It symbolizes a powerful intersection of philanthropy and public health, advancing efforts that support women across Kentucky and beyond. Dr. Heather Bush currently leads this important work through her role as the endowed professor.

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Established by colleagues and admirers of Dr. Kurt W. Deuschle, this professorship honors a pioneer in community-oriented primary care and environmental health. Dr. Deuschle’s legacy includes groundbreaking work in Native American health, Appalachian health and global public health systems, emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine. The professorship upholds his passion for community-engaged health practice and research. Dr. Erin Haynes, a national leader in environmental health science, currently holds this position, continuing Dr. Deuschle’s legacy through impactful research and training.

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The Stephen W. Wyatt Professorship of Public Health honors the leadership of Dr. Stephen W. Wyatt, former dean of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. Dr. Wyatt dedicated his career to the public health landscape by strengthening cancer prevention, tobacco control, and community-based health initiatives. This endowed professorship was created to continue his legacy by supporting innovative research and advancing education that improves population health. Dr. David Fardo currently holds the professorship, carrying forward Dr. Wyatt’s commitment to improve lives across the Commonwealth.

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The Cralle Foundation, with Ms. Joan Cralle Day, established this endowment to improve the health and well-being of Kentucky’s most vulnerable women and children. With a deep concern for at-risk youth, the fund supports research and interventions aimed at addressing child abuse, neglect, poverty, and other social determinants of health. The Cralle-Day Endowment empowers the College to expand its efforts in women's and children's health advocacy and develop evidence-based programs that protect and uplift women and children across the Commonwealth.

Established to honor longtime local businessman and UK Trustee Floyd H. Wright, this Research Endowment supports broad-based public health research aimed at solving pressing health issues in Kentucky and beyond. Mr. Wright was a champion for advancing education and medical research in the state. This endowment serves as a vital resource for scholars seeking to drive innovation and develop data-driven solutions to population health challenges. It reinforces the College’s mission to conduct high-impact, interdisciplinary research.

The Good Samaritan Foundation created this endowed chair to support scholarship in health education, promotion, and prevention—core pillars of public health. Rooted in a mission to foster community well-being through accessible care and education, the Foundation’s support enables research and programs that empower individuals and communities to live healthier lives. This chair strengthens the College’s focus on prevention-oriented research and the dissemination of health knowledge to vulnerable populations.

Norton Healthcare, one of Kentucky’s most comprehensive healthcare systems, established this endowed professorship to strengthen leadership in public health and healthcare systems. With a long-standing commitment to improving community health outcomes across the region, Norton’s support ensures the development of forward-thinking health leaders who can address complex challenges in care delivery, workforce development, and population health. This professorship reflects Norton’s investment in cultivating innovative leadership at the intersection of public health and healthcare administration.

Established to honor the legacy of Dr. Peter P. Bosomworth, a transformative leader in Kentucky’s medical and academic landscape. Dr. Bosomworth’s leadership helped shape health policy and education across the Commonwealth. This endowment supports advanced research into health policy and systems change, equipping public health scholars with the tools to inform evidence-based legislation and improve health outcomes statewide.

Established by Robert and Anna Culton, this professorship reflects the couple’s strong belief in education, service, and the power of public health to transform lives. Through their generous support, the Culton Professorship bolsters faculty research, teaching, and outreach efforts that address health disparities and improve quality of life. Their gift honors a legacy of giving back to the community and ensuring future generations of public health leaders have the resources to make a difference.

Founded by a group of 11 visionary women leaders in Kentucky, the Women’s Circle Endowment represents a collective commitment to advancing public health through the empowerment of women and communities. This unique philanthropic effort supports initiatives that promote gender equity, leadership development, and research that improves the health of women and families. The endowment reflects the power of collaborative giving and the enduring impact of female leadership in public health.