Keely Rees, PhD, MCHES, has joined the College of Public Health (CPH) as the new Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Advancement. With a strong passion for professional development and mentorship, she is dedicated to creating an environment where faculty and staff feel supported.
In this role, Dr. Rees will focus on strengthening professional growth opportunities through mentorship, leadership training, and strategic initiatives that enhance career advancement. By working closely with the Dean’s team, she aims to align policies and resources that foster a collaborative workplace while ensuring faculty and staff have the tools needed to excel.
“The creation of the Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Advancement position is a strategic investment in our most valuable resource: our people. This position is not merely administrative; it's a critical leadership role designed to cultivate an environment where every faculty and staff member feels valued, supported, and empowered to excel,” said Heather M. Bush, PhD, Dean of the College. “We recognize that our collective impact on public health is directly tied to the well-being and professional growth of our team.”
She continued, “Dr. Rees’ proven track record of advocating for public health teams and fostering collaborative environments demonstrates her deep understanding of the vital connection between individual success and organizational excellence. Her leadership will be instrumental in building a robust framework for professional development, ensuring consistency, and fostering stability within our College. I am confident Keely will champion our people, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to thrive, ultimately strengthening our College's ability to advance public health.”
“Keely exudes a kind, compassionate confidence. From our first conversation, I could tell this is someone you want on your team,” said Christy Anderson Assistant Dean for Finance/CFO at CPH. “Keely not only comes to our college with a wealth of knowledge and experience, but she also asks very thoughtful questions. I had the distinct honor of communicating with her references during the hiring process. I’ve always felt obtaining references may be the single most important part of the hiring process. It’s an opportunity to learn about someone from those who know them best. I’ll add just a few of the words they used to describe her: thoughtful, sensitive, kind, tactful, a collaborator, and a true leader. I’m personally excited to work with Keely, and I’m more excited to see how she impacts the growth and development of our faculty and staff.”
Dr. Rees is deeply committed to fostering a supportive environment where faculty and staff can thrive. “My goal is to bring a value-added approach that enhances the incredible work already happening at CPH,” she said.
One of her key initiatives will be enhancing mentorship opportunities, particularly for early-career faculty and staff. She believes that investing in professional development not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the college’s overall impact in public health education and research.
Beyond mentorship and career development, Dr. Rees is committed to strengthening recruitment and retention efforts. By focusing on strategies that attract talented professionals, she hopes to cultivate an environment where faculty and staff can build meaningful, long-term careers at CPH.
Since joining CPH in January 2025, she has been inspired by the University of Kentucky's vibrant campus and the strong sense of community that defines the college.
“The commitment to excellence in education, research, and public health impact is inspiring, and I am excited to be a part of it,” said Dr. Rees.
As Dr. Rees settles into her new role, she said she is eager to immerse herself in the collaborative and forward-thinking environment that makes CPH unique. She looks forward to working with faculty, staff, and students who share her passion for public health and higher education.
“The chance to work alongside passionate faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to making a tangible impact is incredibly motivating,” she said. “I look forward to contributing to initiatives that strengthen public health education and community engagement.”
Before joining CPH, Dr. Rees spent over two decades at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she led programs in public health education and healthcare administration. She also taught at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the University of New Mexico. She earned her Ph.D. in Community Health Education from the University of New Mexico, an M.S. in Exercise Physiology and Health Behavior from South Dakota State University, and a B.A. in Health Education from the University of Minnesota Morris.
The University of Kentucky College of Public Health is undergoing a review by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for re-accreditation. Part of this process includes the invitation to provide third-party comments. Anyone, including students, alumni, employers, community partners, etc., is allowed to share relevant information about the college directly with CEPH. If you would like to provide input to CEPH to inform their review, send your comments to submissions@ceph.org by May 4th, 2025.
