News
![Woman standing outside hospital](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/hospital%20professional.jpg?VersionId=PyzbdvXCESu4KTiTgZ_QttkvJ6Q9Zk7F&itok=9WHJLndT)
The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Compliance, offered by the Kent State University College of Public Health, has received accreditation from the prestigious Compliance Certification Board (CCB)® starting August 1, 2024. Students who successfully complete the 100% online certificate, while meeting all CCB criteria, can apply to take the CCB’s healthcare examinations.
Kent State's College of Public Health has launched a three-year initiative, funded by Medical Mutual, to enhance senior health and wellness in Greater Cleveland. The project includes a comprehensive community needs assessment involving over 20 senior centers, continuing education for senior center staff, and bi-weekly visits from Kent State's "Mobile Flashes" student teams.
![Two people working on a computer](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20210628_BC_210204_BusinessBrand_168-Edit.jpg?VersionId=vbfc5z6UrIPVLnZb.saW0P2VHXAEst61&itok=fpF0_rVY)
In an effort to meet the growing need for epidemiologists and biostatisticians entering the public health field, the College of Public Health is proud to announce the launch of two new Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.
![Cindy Widuck Cindy Widuck](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Cindy%20Widuck.jpg?VersionId=tHUfq4kFxStPdzo8CF74CBKnprwYDfrf&h=de344e11&itok=cSxzPqn5)
After 12 years with the College of Public Health, Cindy Widuck is retiring from role as associate lecturer in May 2024.
![photo of Scott-Toepfer article](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Article%20Headers%20%282%29.png?VersionId=mvHb7RRWAF3RPbXBWQ6RM_JceAiUR1u7&itok=tiBVs1jh)
Learn more about Mary Scott-Toepfer, CPH's assistant director of academic advising and student services.
![side by side photos of Abby Eng, Ph.D. and Melissa Zullo, Ph.D.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/CPH%20Faculty%20photos.png?VersionId=jxX.LR5f_I42a4DRfbYstSXJ5WY3O.4w&itok=AaIFdsSv)
Learn more about faculty accomplishments and highlights from this semester.
Charles “Chuck” Hart, Ph.D., CIH, CSP, RS, DLAAS, dedicated his career in public health to safeguarding environmental health and safety.&
![Alan Talarczyk, a graduate student in Kent State's College of Public Health, got his educational start at the Twinsburg Academic Center. Alan Talarczyk, a graduate student in Kent State's College of Public Health, got his educational start at the Twinsburg Academic Center.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Alan%20T.%20graduates%20main.jpeg?VersionId=H6d09jzZzIumQTyuESaq0vZRjyjcUy_a&itok=VJBZiDjE)
A first-generation student who began his education journey at the Twinsburg Academic Center now has his sites set on medical school.
![Emily Speck is an environmental health specialist who graduated from Kent State's College of Public Health. Emily Speck is an environmental health specialist who graduated from Kent State's College of Public Health.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Environmental%20Health%20Specialists%20Water%20Samples%205.jpg?VersionId=yZKn_8M8YZsJb6wt_WkSlF4EXCqikzF_&itok=j_xCT9xj)
The shortage of environmental health specialists accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic but had begun well before the that, according to Matthew Stefanak, a semi-retired faculty member and a "public health ambassador" with the College of Public Health, which helps to create career-ready graduates for this in-demand field.
![Photo by Jacob Brooks of KentWired/TV2 from February 2023 Photo of East Palestine cloud of smoke](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/EastPalestine.jpg?VersionId=V4Jmu6H7Dk.5oWvtWMhE9.gzk8vXytlo&itok=9OsBjAi0)
Feb. 3, 2023 – A date that forever changed lives of residents and businesses in East Palestine, Ohio. A Norfolk Southern freight train derailed and caught fire. Of the 38 cars that derailed, 11 contained toxic chemicals including vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. First responders, most of which were volunteer fire departments, were immediately called into action.