Hamline University professor Dr. Susi Keefe was named a top finalist this month for the Minnesota Society for Public Health Education (MNSOPHE) Health Educator of the Year award. The finalists, who were announced on Oct. 19, were selected for demonstrating their leadership as a public health educator, their impact on the health of the community they serve, innovation and commitment to the discipline.
“I’m honored to be a finalist amongst such incredible public health educators from the state of Minnesota,” Keefe said. “Public health is still a new undergraduate field of study and not many colleges offer the major. I’m thrilled to be able to work with such incredible students who tackle rigorous and transformative opportunities with me and our community partners.”
Dr. Keefe was nominated by former Hamline student and Harry S. Truman Scholarship winner Raie Gessesse ‘20, who noted Dr. Keefe’s inspirational leadership.
“What is particularly powerful about Dr. Susi Keefe is that not only is she committed to the discipline, but she makes those around her become committed to advancing public health, too,” Gessesse said. “Dr. Keefe so thoughtfully articulates that advancing public health includes all of us, across sectors and across organizations, and better health for the most vulnerable means a better, healthier and more prosperous world for all of us.”
Among her recent accomplishments, Dr. Keefe led a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Health, Hamline University, Hmong Town Market, local Hmong Student Associations and to address a pertinent health issue in women and infants. Keefe also led several students in conducting a research project to assess food insecurity among students on campus.
“Dr. Susi Keefe’s commitment to advancing public health is inspiring to all of those who work to improve community health,” said Pa Houa Moua, MNSOPHE awards chair.