Thomas W. Brewer, Ph.D.
Thomas Brewer, Ph.D., M.Jur, CHC, health policy and management professor and graduate coordinator, and founding member of the Kent State University College of Public Health, has been awarded the 2025 Kent State University Distinguished Honors Alumni award. The Distinguished Honors Alumni award recognizes alumni who have served the Honors College and facilitated increased opportunities for Honors College students. Brewer was honored at the 39th annual Senior Honors Reception on Thurs., April 17, 2025, in the Kent State University Student Center Ballroom.
The College of Public Health has received an award to support the development and teaching of a first-time course in public health law for the 2025-2026 academic year. Led by professor of health policy and management and graduate coordinator Tom Brewer, and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the project is designed to improve capacity for local health departments and increase knowledge of public health law among the next cadre of public health graduates.
“We have been hearing from our students, both current and alumni, that they would like to have a dedicated public health law course. Similarly, our professional constituency (health commissioners mainly) have been asking us to create a continuing education offering in public health law for their employees,” says Brewer.
Melissa Dyer, Ph.D.
Congratulations to Melissa Dyer, Ph.D., MBA, MSN, RN, who has been appointed to the Akron Children’s Hospital board of directors.
Dyer, a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience, is a professor and a course coordinator in the Kent State University College of Nursing, and serves as administrator of the College of Public Health Community Health Worker Training Program.
Good luck in your new role!
Rob Kollin, MS
Rob Kollin, MS, MSM, lecturer in the College of Public Health, has been named 2024-2025 Faculty Member of the Year by the students of the College of Public Health. Kollin was recognized on May 8, 2025, during the CPH Spring Awards Ceremony.
The Faculty Member of the Year award is given annually to the instructor who displays mentorship, compassion, and leadership and creates a positive and welcoming learning environment.
Many congratulations, well deserved!
Jamie Rhoads, Ed.D.
Many congratulations to Jamie Rhoads, Ed.D., on receiving the Kent State University President's Award of Distinction!
The President’s Award of Distinction was created as a recognition program to reward staff members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, service, leadership and dedication to Kent State in advancing the university’s strategic priorities and core values.
Serving as director of instructional design in the College of Public Health and on numerous committees, Rhoads' commitment to quality and student success is evident in her long list of accomplishments.