Neil E. Hann, MPH, CHES has been named Chairman of the Department of Health Promotion Sciences

Neil E. Hann, MPH, CHES has been named Chairman of the Department of Health Promotion Sciences.

Effective July 1, 2021, Neil E. Hann, MPH, CHES has been named Chairman of the Department of Health Promotion Sciences.

As the current Director of Experiential Learning and Liaison to the Oklahoma State Department of Health for the College, Neil has been a critical leader in strengthening our efforts in experiential learning, and the culminating experience for the MPH degree and for the Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) degree here at the Hudson College of Public Health. He brings to the role of Chair academic continuity and institutional knowledge that is key to the continued growth and success of the Department.

Among Neil’s distinguished contributions to public health is his 34 years of service at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. During this time he led a number of important initiatives that have improved the public health efforts in our state. As Assistant Deputy Commissioner, he provided oversight for 68 county health departments and major program areas including WIC, MCH, Sooner Start, Child Guidance, Family Support and Prevention, Record Evaluation, and Dental Health. As Chief of the Community Development Service, Neil led the activities of a major service area focused on building healthy communities through collaborative partnerships, including such as Primary Care & Rural Health Development, Health Promotion, Turning Point, Minority Health, Health Equity and Resource Opportunities, and the Office of the Tribal Liaison. Neil was responsible for implementing the successful Turning Point initiative in the state with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 1992, Neil received the University of Oklahoma’s most prestigious alumni award, the Regents’ Alumni Award. In 2017, the Oklahoma Turning Point Council created the Neil Hann Award to honor individuals who display innovation, inspiration and leadership in creating a culture of health in Oklahoma and in 2019, Neil was recognized with the Department of Health Promotion Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award.