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Boyd guided S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy for five highly successful years
January 15, 2009
Suzan D. Boyd
Dr. Suzan D. Boyd, a veteran Columbia public health leader and Arnold School alumna, has been recognized for her long-standing commitment to the well-being of the state’s children.
EdVenture Children’s Museum presented her with the 2009 South Carolina Great Friend to Kids Award at a January 15 dinner at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Boyd, a former Arnold faculty member, is best known for her role as executive director of the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. She joined the organization in 2002 and over five years helped the campaign grow from three to 15 employees and increase its annual budget from $400,000 to more than $1.5 million.
She retired from the campaign in 2007, but continues to serve the group as an executive consultant. During this period, the organization has continued to succeed. The rate of teen pregnancy in South Carolina has dropped by 33 percent over the last ten years.
EdVenture president and CEO Catherine Horne said Boyd is being recognized for her service and dedication to the health and welfare of children and for her work in pregnancy prevention.
“Over the past several decades, she has really dedicated her life to helping our youth start their adulthood in the strongest possible position (regarding responsible parenting choices),” Horne said.
EdVenture established the Great Friend to Kids award in 2006 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of South Carolina residents who have taken the lead in addressing the needs of children in the state. Funds raised through the effort go directly to helping youths statewide.
Over a 25-year career in public health, Boyd’s contributions have ranged from management and primary care activities at the Brookside Park Family Life Center in Boston, to Vice President of Ambulatory Services at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago.
Additionally, she was director of the MHA Program and associate professor at the Arnold School of Public Health and a consultant in strategic planning and management.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College, a master’s degree from Yale University, a master’s of business administration from Simmons College, and a doctorate from USC.
