The University of Illinois Springfield’s Master of Public Health Program has been honored with the Public Health Program of Excellence Award from the Illinois Public Health Association.

The award recognizes public health programs in Illinois that demonstrate excellence by providing quality service and evidence-based care, creating innovative solutions to meet community health needs, improving access to care and addressing health disparities, raising the visibility of public health initiatives, promoting effective and efficient programs, and leading successful collaborative efforts.

The award was presented to Brian Chen, Ph.D., associate professor, and Lenore Killam, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor, in recognition of their efforts in elevating the program.

“Brian Chen and Lenore Killam are strong advocates for their students and work tirelessly to create learning opportunities and real-world internship opportunities,” said a former student who nominated them for the award.

In 2023, the UIS Master of Public Health Program received accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. The program offers two degrees for graduate-level study in public health: a Master of Public Health degree with a strong interdisciplinary foundation for practice in public health and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health degree, emphasizing preparation in risk assessment, emergency preparedness and environmental health policy.

“The MPH program provided me with wonderful opportunities to grow as a professional,” the former student nominator said. “I am so thankful for the guidance from Dr. Chen and Dr. Killam to launching my career. Without their support and my ability to participate in the many opportunities offered at UIS, I would not be able to have such a strong start in my career in public health.”

Established in 1940, the 85-year-old Illinois Public Health Association is the largest public health association in the state of Illinois. As one of the largest affiliates of the American Public Health Association, IPHA is widely recognized as a leader in public health advocacy, health education and programming.