Following a banner year for research funding and productivity, the University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH) is pleased to announce the expansion of the research leadership team with the appointment of Dr. Jerod Stapleton as Assistant Dean for Research. Stapleton, who will continue as Associate Professor of Health, Behavior & Society, will assume his new leadership role as of Nov. 1, 2020. 

As Assistant Dean for Research, Stapleton will serve as a senior research administrator for the College. Reporting to Associate Dean for Research Dr. Teresa Waters, he will share responsibility for developing and facilitating the college’s programs of research. Stapleton’s specific duties will include overseeing the CPH Office of Scientific Writing, developing and maintaining a knowledge base of CPH research resources, fostering the research career development of early career faculty, representing CPH in campus-level, research-related activities, and collaboratively working with other members of the CPH administrative team to ensure an efficient and effective research infrastructure.

“We are fortunate that Dr. Stapleton has agreed to serve in this critical role,” said CPH Dean Donna K. Arnett. “I particularly look forward to working with him on initiatives to encourage the career development of junior faculty—an important component of our College’s strategic plan.”

College leaders tapped Stapleton for the assistant dean position following an internal search. Stapleton, who has an impressive track record of funding as a principal investigator, was chosen from among several strong candidates.

“I look forward to working with Jerod to promote the continued growth of research operations in the College of Public Health,” said Waters. “With experience as a principal investigator on complex grant projects, Dr. Stapleton brings to the role a keen awareness of faculty needs.”

“I am grateful to Dean Arnett, Dr. Waters, and college leadership and humbled to receive this opportunity,” said Stapleton. “My priority is to be an advocate for our faculty, staff, and students by getting to know their research needs and doing all that I can to facilitate their success.”

Stapleton, who joined the College of Public Health as an associate professor in August 2019, is also co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at Markey Cancer Center.