Sarah E. Cprek, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy and the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health. Since 2015, Dr. Cprek has taught over 4,000 students and has played a key role in transforming the Bachelor of Public Health program through innovative curriculum design and teaching practices.
Dr. Cprek is a nationally recognized educator, earning multiple teaching honors, including the 2025 ASPPH Early Career Teaching Excellence Award, a prestigious national award presented annually to one educator in public health. Her other accolades include the 2022 University of Kentucky Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, the Dean’s Outstanding Teaching Award (2021), and the Dean’s Innovation in Teaching Award (2016). Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of High Impact Practices and academic scaffolding to foster student success, engagement, and career readiness.
Dr. Cprek’s early research focused on maternal and child health, particularly the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on health outcomes and the role of positive parenting practices in fostering resilience. This work included a multi-year collaboration with Great Kids Inc., where she evaluated a home visitation curriculum, supporting its attainment of evidence-based status. Currently, her research centers on the science of teaching and learning, with a focus on enhancing student engagement, retention, and academic success in public health education. Her contributions to both fields have resulted in peer-reviewed publications and numerous national presentations.
In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Cprek serves on the University of Kentucky’s Undergraduate Council and the Faculty Advisory Council for Undergraduate Experiential Education, where she helps shape university-wide strategies to enhance undergraduate education. She is also an active member of the ASPPH Undergraduate Leadership Group, collaborating with public health leaders across the United States to strengthen undergraduate public health education. Through her leadership and dedication, Dr. Cprek is committed to preparing the next generation of public health professionals to address complex health challenges and improve community well-being in Kentucky and beyond.
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The University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH) has named Sarah Cprek, MPH, PhD, as the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs.
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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.
