The student chapter of Kentucky Public Health Association at Western Kentucky University was established about 10 years ago. Although the need for such an organization has stayed the same over time, the chapter became inactive as a result of low membership. Department of Public Health’s faculty Ms. Jae Kim, breathed a new life into the organization in the 2004-2005 academic school year. In one year the membership grew from 10 members to thirty three. In the 2005-2006 academic school year, officers were elected by the students from among themselves and Dr. Cecilia Watkins was appointed as co-advisor to the chapter. In the following years, members of KPHA from Western Kentucky University have made their presence felt at the annual KPHA conference. Last year, the organization won the “Best Student Chapter Award” and 9 out of the 11 posters that were presented at the conference were by Western Kentucky University’s students. Students also had 3 oral presentations on issues focusing on environmental health and health education and promotion.
Currently, the student chapter is advised by Dr. Cecilia Watkins and co-advised by Dr. Grace Lartey. Membership has continued to mature, and the chapter has expanded to include four active committees: the Committee on Records, Student Engagement Committee, the Fundraising Committee and the Sports Committee.