New U of L public-health dean has rural health background

Craig H. Blakely, dean at the School of Rural Public Health at Texas A&M University, has been named dean of the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences. U of L has a role in rural health in Western Kentucky, overseeing the Area Health Education Centers in the region.

Blakely, who has a Ph.D. and a master's in public health, has researched and published extensively regarding access to care and rural health. His research has focused on under-served expectant mothers and juvenile delinquents, and includes substance-abuse prevention and community-based change. Blakely has also evaluated major initiatives such as a school-based prevention program targeting at-risk youth.

Blakely’s expertise will be invaluable in tackling issues like obesity, access to care, disease management and much more, said Dr. David L. Dunn, U of L's executive vice president for health affairs. Blakely’s appointment is effective April 1 and is subject to approval by the U of L Board of Trustees. He replaces Richard Clover, who has led the school for 10 years.