Stephen Wyatt, dean, UK College of Public Health said, "Reaching this goal has been paramount to the college and the university, and attaining it will only strengthen our efforts in education, research and service to make Kentucky, the nation and the world a healthier place to live. To have received full accreditation status on the initial attempt, by-passing pre-accreditation, is certainly a significant achievement and is indeed an honor."
Jim Applegate, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education said, "Reaching this goal was part of a statewide strategy that included several of the state's educational institutions with the singular goal of addressing the public health issues facing our state. This sort of statewide effort is relatively unique and UK's commitment to reaching this goal only made it that much easier."
This decision comes after intensive planning and development. CEPH's accreditation procedures required that the UK College of Public Health undertake a self-evaluation, submit a self-study document and host a team of qualified peer reviewers who validate the self-study during an on-site visit to the campus. While on site, the team interviewed university officials, administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community leaders and other important constituents, inspected facilities and resources, and examined supporting documentation. Based on the team report and other information demonstrating compliance with the criteria, the board made the final decision for accreditation.
Dr. Harrison Spencer, President and C.E.O. of the Association of Schools of Public Health, said, "We would like to compliment the University of Kentucky on this achievement, and we welcome them as our newest member in the association."