Dr. Anna Hoover Appointed Assistant Dean for Practice-Based Graduate Programs at CPH

Anna Hoover, PhD, MA, has been appointed as the Assistant Dean for Practice-Based Graduate Programs at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH). In this new role, Dr. Hoover will oversee key graduate programs, including the Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA), and upcoming Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programs. 

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead programs that prepare students for the critical work of advancing public health,” Dr. Hoover said. “This role allows me to support curricula, faculty, and staff to ensure that our graduates help improve health outcomes across communities." 

Her leadership will focus on strengthening public health education and preparing a workforce that is equipped to advance health outcomes not only in Kentucky but across the globe.

With a strong commitment to education and public health practice, Dr. Hoover’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the college’s professional programs. Her ability to bridge research and real-world impact has earned widespread respect.

“I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Dr. Hoover for many years, and I've always been impressed by her dedication to public health practice,” shared Heather M. Bush, PhD, Dean of the College. “This isn't just about filling a leadership position; it's about investing in the future of public health practice and empowering a team to achieve it. Dr. Hoover's deep experience and passion for bridging the gap between research and real-world impact make her the ideal leader to work alongside our talented faculty and staff to prepare our students to make a tangible difference in the health of Kentuckians. She will be instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment where we can collectively advance public health practice.”

Dr. Hoover’s journey at the University of Kentucky spans more than 20 years, during which she has gained a unique perspective as a full-time staff member, a graduate student supported through the UK Employee Education Program (EEP), and a faculty member.

Since joining CPH in 2012, she has taken on a variety of key roles. As deputy director for the National Coordinating Center for Public Health Services and Systems Research, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Dr. Hoover worked to advance the evidence base for improving public health systems nationwide. She later served as co-director for another RWJF-funded coordinating center, which focused on bridging research, practice, and policy to address pressing public health challenges. Additionally, she spent five years as deputy director for the National Health Security Preparedness Index, which evaluated the nation’s readiness to respond to public health emergencies and promoted improvements in preparedness across the country.

Her leadership led to opportunities in teaching, where she began with an undergraduate public health preparedness course before transitioning into a tenure-track position in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health (EEH). She also served as vice-chair for education in EEH from 2022 to 2024.

“I think this unusual constellation of experiences provides an opportunity for me to bring a multidimensional lens to identifying and addressing challenges while also instilling in me an empathetic focus that recognizes the needs of students, staff, and faculty alike,” Dr. Hoover said.

Central to her vision is the integration of evidence-based practices into public health education, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the tools needed to address complex health disparities and systemic challenges.

Dr. Hoover explained that her new role provides an additional pathway where she can help support the public health workforce.

“Our students are driven by their desire to make a difference, and it’s my goal to provide them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed,” she said. “I want them to see how their learning connects directly to improving health outcomes Kentucky and beyond.”

Through this approach, Dr. Hoover aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, creating an environment that supports innovation and inspires public health leaders.

“Much like our faculty and staff, our students are all about making the world a better place by improving health outcomes within and across populations,” she said. “I feel privileged to come to work every day and work alongside people whose goal is to serve others.”