College of Public Health Gathers to Celebrate Accomplishments at Summer Assembly

The University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH) recently came together for its annual Summer Assembly, held on May 15 at E.S. Good Barn on UK’s campus, to recognize the exceptional contributions of its faculty, staff, and researchers. Organized by the CPH Faculty and Staff Councils, this annual event highlights the achievements that help drive the college’s mission forward.

“Special thanks to the Faculty and Staff Councils for organizing the Summer Assembly and to the many contributors across the college who played a role in preparing for the upcoming CEPH reaccreditation site visit, which will take place this summer,” said Keely Rees, PhD, MCHES, Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Advancement. “Events like this not only celebrate individual excellence but also highlight the strength of CPH’s community.”

CPH was proud to honor the hard work and dedication of the following faculty and staff with this year’s awards.

Faculty Award Recipients

Dean’s Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award

• Meredith Duncan, PhD

Dean’s Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award

• Amanda Ellis, PhD

• Caitlin Northcutt, PhD

Research Award Recipients

2025 Paper of the Year – Authored by CPH Staff

• Emily Clear, MPH, CHES

2025 Paper of the Year – Authored by CPH Student

• Todd Burus, PhD

2025 Paper of the Year – Authored by CPH Senior Faculty Member

• Dave Fardo, PhD

2025 Paper of the Year – Authored by CPH Early Career Faculty Member

• Caitlin Northcutt, PhD

2023–2024 Paper of the Year – Authored by CPH Early Career Faculty Members

• Emily Slade, PhD

• Amanda Ellis, PhD

100 Pub Club Inductee

• Marc T. Kiviniemi, PhD

Staff Award Recipients

IPH-C Staff Award

• Lauren Mergen

KIPRC Staff Award

• Lara Daniels

Research Staff Award

• Kory Heier

New Professional Award

• Courtney Craycraft

Unsung Hero Award (Linda Williams Award)

• Jessica Guillen

Spirit of CPH Award (Becki Flanagan Award)

• Deana Bowling