Deric Kenne, Ph.D.
Associate Professor in the College of Public Health
Associate Director of the Center for Public Policy and Health
Director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use
What is your position at Kent State University?
Associate Professor, Public Health and Associate Director, Center for Public Policy & Health
What is your role in the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use?
Principal Investigator or Project Director for several projects funded by SAMHSA, NSF and community agencies. Several projects focus on improving mental health in the community and on campus. We provide mental health awareness trainings to public school teachers in Medina County and faculty/staff at KSU to identify and intervene with individuals struggling with mental health. We have a project that seeks to develop an infrastructure to monitor and ultimately prevent substance abuse in Portage, Lake and Geauga Counties.
How long have you been at Kent State?
I started as a Research Associate in the College of Public Health in January 2011. So, almost 10 years.
Why did you choose to go into public health?
I started in psychology and have always been working on projects focused on improving mental health or substance abuse. When KSU established the College of Public Health, it was a natural fit for me to continue my work.
What is your favorite place to eat in Kent?
Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to try too many places in Kent. I have been to Twisted MELTZ and that was an fun place to eat.
What is the last tv show you watched or book that you read?
Watching “What If…?” on Disney+. I’m a big Avengers fan.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I WAS looking forward to getting back to “normal” with regard to work and school. Now I’m hoping we can all get back on campus and still stay safe.