Rising and shining: Seven COPH faculty members climb the ranks
In 2019, a record number of USF College of Public Health (COPH) faculty were promoted, some with tenure.
“Promotions and tenure only happen when significant accomplishments have been achieved,” said Dr. Donna Petersen, dean of the COPH. “This has been the biggest year we ever had in terms of promotions. And that’s because we continue to recruit outstanding faculty who exceed expectations.”
Those receiving the title of full professor are:
- Dr. Jason Beckstead, a quantitative methodologist who teaches epidemiology and biostatistics
- Dr. Ricardo Izurieta, who specializes in tropical and infectious diseases
- Dr. Stephanie Marhefka, a behavioral scientist who is also an assistant dean for research
- Dr. Janice Zgibor, a professor of epidemiology, associate dean of academic affairs and director of the college’s DrPH Program
“Promotion to professor represents the highest achievement in the academic ranks, barring the rare recognition of distinguished professor,” said Marhefka. “It’s an honor and a privilege to achieve this goal.”
In addition to a title change, Zgibor also received tenure.
“This promotion has done a lot for my personal growth and my desire to bring my best work to the college,” said Zgibor. “The college has put a lot of trust in me to fulfill its academic mission, and I strive to meet that mission every day when I enter those front doors.”
Those moving from assistant to associate professor are:
- Dr. Jennifer Marshall, a COPH alumna, professor of maternal and child health, a fellow with the Chiles Center for Women, Children and Families and the director of planning and evaluation for the Sunshine Education and Research Center
- Dr. Dinorah Martinez-Tyson, a COPH alumna and professor of community and family health who is academically trained in medical anthropology and epidemiology
- Dr. Cheryl Vamos, another COPH alumna and director of the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science and Practice and a fellow with the Chiles Center for Women, Children and Families
Along with a promotion, Martinez-Tyson and Vamos also received tenure.
“It’s the people who make this college special,” said Vamos. “This is such a supportive, interdisciplinary environment with phenomenal faculty, staff, students and community partners. Being part of such an organization really motivates me to work hard for the collective mission and vision.”
“The promotion process is important because it shows commitment of the college to faculty and recognizes the growth and development of faculty in their fields and in this profession,” added Marshall. “It’s important for the sustainability and vision of the college as it undergoes changes and an evolution in structure and ideas.”
Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health