News Release

UK College of Public Health earns national accreditation

Full accreditation on first attempt a significant acheivement

Grant and Award Announcement

University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 14, 2005) - The University of Kentucky's College of Public Health has received full accreditation this week from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The college earned this honor on its first attempt and was granted a five year accreditation, the maximum term possible for a first accreditation. The UK College of Public Health was designated as the 37th accredited college of public health in the United States by the council. CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health.

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."

###


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.