Longtime Buckeye brings passion for academics, student experience to new role
Professor Amy Ferketich has been named The Ohio State University College of Public Health’s associate dean of academic and student affairs. Ferketich, who joined the Ohio State faculty in 2003, is a leading voice in the field of tobacco control and brings “a passion for academic programming, teaching and the student experience” to her new role, said Interim Dean Karla Zadnik.
“I’m really looking forward to working with college leadership, faculty and staff on new academic initiatives and expanding current academic initiatives. I enjoy thinking about the possibilities for academic programming and how to work with students to make sure they have the best possible experience at Ohio State and the College of Public Health,” Ferketich said.
“Two of my mentors, people who have been very important to me in my academic career, have worked in this role, Michael Bisesi and R.J. “Jeff” Caswell. I feel honored to have been named as the next associate dean of academic and student affairs.”
Ferketich began her new role July 15.
Ferketich served as the first undergraduate studies chair in 2012 when the college launched the Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program. During her term, she helped develop the undergraduate epidemiology minor and rolled out the combined BSPH/MPH program. She also worked with Gail Kaye, associate dean for undergraduate studies and assessment, to start and co-direct the CPH honor’s program.
Ferketich also served as the college’s graduate studies chair when the university switched from quarters to semesters in 2012, a massive undertaking that involved curriculum and course redesign. Later, as a faculty fellow at the Graduate School, she worked with colleagues across the university to develop learning outcomes and to design and implement program assessments for graduate programs.
When Ohio State began a major overhaul of its general education curriculum in 2017, Ferketich served on two university-wide committees focused on general education planning and course review. She also served on two Graduate School committees: the Advisory Committee and the Awards Committee.
Ferketich led the development of the college’s public health and the arts interdisciplinary minor, an innovative program that opens students’ eyes to a different way of thinking about community well-being.
Ferketich is a recipient of the College of Public Health’s Excellence in Teaching Award, the university’s Distinguished Undergraduate Research Mentor Award and the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Spotlight Mentor Recognition.
