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Dr. Greg Hand to lead WVU's new School of Public Health
June 30, 2014
Dr. Greg Hand
Dr. Gregory A. Hand, the associate dean of research and practice at the Arnold School of Public Health, has been named the founding dean of the West Virginia University School of Public Health.
Dr. Christopher Colenda, WVU Health Sciences chancellor, who made the appointment, said, “Dr. Hand is an experienced public health scientist, educational administrator and civic leader. We are very happy to have him at WVU.”
Hand oversees the Arnold School’s Office of Research and Public Health Practice. A professor in the Department of Exercise Science, Hand is the principal investigator for the S.C. Public Health Training Center.
Dr. Tom Chandler, dean of the Arnold School, said that Hand’s contributions to public health research, education and outreach have had a significant impact on South Carolina and the nation.
“Throughout his career at the Arnold School, Dr. Hand has dedicated himself to excellence in research and has played an integral role in developing our research program. His own research on the important links between physical activity, exercise and health has advanced the scientific knowledge in this field,” Chandler said.
Chandler congratulated Hand on his appointment to the post of founding dean at WVU. “Dr. Hand and I have been colleagues in the Arnold School for 20 years, and I know that he will be a capable leader in the development of the School of Public Health at West Virginia University. West Virginia experiences similar public health concerns as SC, so his experience base will serve him well in his new leadership post.”
WVU President E. Gordon Gee lauded Hand’s commitment to public health. “West Virginia’s health challenges are many, and our young School of Public Health is quickly establishing itself as a research and outreach leader through a commitment to reversing discouraging trends. Dr. Hand’s strong and enthusiastic dedication to public health will greatly benefit the School, our University and the people of our state.”
Dr. Hand’s first day in the WVU dean’s office will be Aug. 16.
