Heather Bush Assumes Permanent Role as Dean at University of Kentucky College of Public Health

Heather Bush Appointed As Full-Time Dean at University of Kentucky College of Public Health

Lexington, Ky – The University of Kentucky (UK) made an announcement last month appointing Heather Bush as the permanent Dean of the College of Public Health. Bush had been serving as the acting dean since June 2022.

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and both her M.S. and Ph.D. in statistics from UK, Bush brings not only significant academic prowess but also years of experience to her role. Her journey with UK began in 2006. Subsequently, she has served as a professor in the Department of Biostatistics and has secured noteworthy positions such as the Kate Spade & Company Foundation Endowed Professor in the Centre for Research on Violence Against Women. Bush claimed her permanent tenure as Dean on April 1, 2024.

Bush’s Exciting Endeavour

Speaking about her appointment, Bush commented, “This appointment isn’t about me – it is about what we, as a college, will achieve next. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, pursue research for practical solutions and prepare students to tackle public health challenges head-on.”

Senate Joint Resolution on Higher Education

In other educational news, the 10-day veto recess for the 2024 regular legislative session began last week. Senate Joint Resolution 170, which had not received attention before, was among the higher education bills filed. This resolution demands the Council on Postsecondary Education to review potential expansion of postbaccalaureate program offerings at comprehensive universities.

The resolution highlights the importance of routinely evaluating evolving workforce needs and includes the feasibility of increasing postbaccalaureate offerings at comprehensive universities to better meet those needs. It has passed the Senate and the House Education Committee but is yet to gain final passage.

$9M Donation to James B. Beam Institute

Adding to this big wave of educational advancements, the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at UK has been awarded a generous donation of $9.3 million. A part of the donation, specifically $7.5 million, will come from Beam Suntory, the parent company of popular bourbon brands such as Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. An additional $1.9 million will be given by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund Endowment Match Program.

The Fruitful Impact of the Donation

This impactful donation is set to fund an endowed chair and professorships, along with significant expansion of student enrolment by 50%. The expansion is expected to create a robust pipeline of future leaders in the spirits industry, as noted by UK. Seth DeBolt, James B. Beam Institute director and professor, expressed that this gift would greatly assist research aimed at addressing global challenges facing the spirits industry like scrutinising distilling, maturation and bottling techniques for higher efficiency, energy and water reduction, and viable agricultural practices.

Emphasising the benefits of the partnership, Nancy Cox, vice president of land-grant engagement and dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE, mentioned, “This gift strengthens our ability to address industry challenges and reinforces our dedication to preparing future leaders who will drive the spirits industry forward.”