The 7-year term is the longest renewal offered for eligible colleges
The College of Public Health has engaged in a year-long reflective journey; beginning in 2020, the college began drafting its required self-study report as part of the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH) reaccreditation process. This self-study process is an in-depth report of all aspects of the college's operations, curricular offerings, graduation outcomes, faculty engagement, scholarship and service, community and workforce development, diversity, cultural competency, and student services. In December 2020, the college engaged in a three-day virtual site visit chaired by Richard S. Kurz, Ph.D. Dean Emeritus - University of North Texas Health Science Center. Also serving on the site visit committee appointed by CEPH included Jennifer K. Ibrahim, Ph.D., MPH, MA - Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Temple University, - William Pilkington, DPA, MPA, MA; - CEO & Public Health Officer, Cabarrus Health Alliance, and Zeinab Bazzi, MPH, - Accreditation Coordinator, Council on Education for Public Health.
The college reviewed the site team feedback report and responded with additional supporting materials to the CEPH Board of Counselors in April 2020. As a result, the CEPH Board of Counselors voted at its spring meeting to award reaccreditation to the College of Public Health at Kent State for a term of seven years through July 1, 2028. The college boasts six undergraduate concentrations, four Master of Public Health concentrations, a standalone master of science degree, and three doctoral concentrations. Spring 2021 enrollment data reflected 927 students in the college, a 6.1% increase over spring 2020.
The College of Public Health originally received accreditation in 2015 for a five-year term, the maximum timeframe for first-time applicants.