Message from the Dean
Meet Our Dean
Sonia Alemagno, Ph.D., assumed the leadership of the college on July 1, 2011. Alemagno has a proven academic track record in administration, research, teaching, and service.
Alemagno joined Kent State in 2009 to assist in the development of the new College of Public Health. She has held the position of interim vice president for research since July 1, 2010. Before joining Kent State, she was the chair of the Department of Public Administration and Urban Studies and director of the Institute for Health and Social Policy at the University of Akron. Alemagno’s honors include a National Institutes on Health Career Development Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Akron Outstanding Researcher Award in 2005. In addition, she has been the principal investigator on research projects and Small Business Innovation Research funded by the National Institutes on Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Justice and the SAMSHA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Alemagno earned a master of arts in sociology from Kent State in 1984 and a doctor of philosophy degree in medical sociology from Case Western Reserve University in 1991. She resides in Russell, Ohio.
Message from the Dean
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the College of Public Health, and I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride as we celebrate this significant milestone in our history with all who have been part of the college’s journey.
In 2009, the College of Public Health was established as the first school of public health in Ohio to offer a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, addressing the shortage of professionals throughout the state and across the nation. Since opening its doors, the college has continually strived to be at the forefront of public health, playing an important role in educating the next generation of servant leaders, while making a lasting impact in the lives and the health of our communities.
During the past 15 years, we have fulfilled our mission and trained nearly 3,000 leaders, scientists, and practitioners in conducting impactful research and engaging in practice to solve public health challenges. We have built relationships and collaborated with more than 300 organizations, locally, nationally and internationally.
Since its inception, the College of Public Health has built upon its beginnings to now offer more than ten specialized degrees, certificates, and programs that meet the needs of our students and our community. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff, and with the invaluable support of our partner organizations, we are training epidemiologists, environmental health specialists, health program managers, clinical trials coordinators, academic faculty members, and many other highly skilled public health professionals who are making a difference in the field every day.
Our constant commitment to excellence in providing high-quality, affordable education has been recognized by Fortune, which included the college in its list of “Best Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Programs for 2025.” I’m honored to see our online MPH recognized as one of the top 10 programs in the country, and I am filled with gratitude for all the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends who have contributed to our growth and success over the years.
I invite all of you to join us in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the college throughout the next year. We have kicked off the celebrations during Public Health Career Week (April 7-11). We will have multiple events and opportunities to commemorate our community of passionate professionals who work together to shape the field of public health. We welcome your involvement, now and beyond this special year; because, as we celebrate our history, your contribution is vital to shape a brighter future.
Here’s to 15 years and to many more in making an impact in our communities!
Yours in good health,
Sonia Alemagno
Dean, College of Public Health