SPH Dean Earns SUNY’s Top Academic Honor

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 5, 2019) – The SUNY Board of Trustees has appointed David Holtgrave, Dean of the School of Public Health, to the rank of distinguished professor, the highest faculty achievement in the SUNY System.

Holtgrave, who joined UAlbany as dean March 2018, is an internationally recognized leader in HIV prevention, policy and services. He has produced more than 300 publications and has served in dozens of appointed roles, including as vice-chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during President Obama's Administration.

“We are incredibly proud of Dean David Holtgrave – not only for being promoted to SUNY’s highest academic rank, but also for the impact his research has had on so many people,” said Carol Kim, provost at UAlbany. “His work has shaped federal policy on HIV prevention and has resulted in more effective and efficient services that improve the lives of those living with HIV. Dr. Holtgrave is the embodiment of UAlbany’s mission as a publicly-engaged research university and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor,” she continued.

According to SUNY, Distinguished Professorship is conferred upon faculty who have achieved national and/or international prominence and a distinguished reputation within their field. Distinction is attained “through extraordinary contributions to, and impact on, the candidate’s field of study, evidenced by significant research and/or creative activity. Chosen candidates are role models for students and other faculty and their work is of such character that it has the potential to elevate the standards of scholarship or creative activity of colleagues both within and beyond their academic fields.”

For more information about the Distinguished Faculty Ranks, visit SUNY’s website.