Kennesaw, Ga. | June 24, 2025
A team of students at Kennesaw State University Wellstar College of Health and Human Services Recently won national recognition at the National Case Study Competition of Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) in health education.
Recent public health The Liz Burchfield graduate teams up with public health students Angel Fortmann and Allisa George to win a gold designation, one of the country’s six universities to receive this distinction. Associate Professor of Public Health and Director of the Public Health Program, Lanita Wright, advised the trio.
“The aspect of the competition is secondary, because I just wanted them to acquire a practical experience and apply what they had learned in class to a real situation,” she said. “Ksu never participated in this event, so we wanted our first team to acquire experience and provide advice to future teams so that they can prepare for future competitions. Winning is a bonus and a testimony to the dedication of students. ”
Each participant was responsible for designing a public health education program to increase the screening rates of sexually transmitted infections based on a case study in Long Beach, California. The teams received instructions two weeks before they present their programs, and during these two weeks assembled and interpreted data on the STIs, wrote scripts and reports, then merged in a presentation.
Wright selected the three students according to their achievements in public health courses and attention to detail in their class work. George said that she had found the competition an enriching business that helped bring lessons learned in class.
“The Sophe National Case Study competition was more than a simple academic challenge; It was a real test of our ability to think like public health professionals. It was intense, significant and incredibly enriching, ”she said. “What made him particularly powerful is to know that our ideas had the potential to fight against real health disparities.”
The teams could present practically or in person at the Sophe Long Beach conference, and the KSU team presented virtually. Burchfield said that 15 -minute presentations were to be text slides without graphics. The slides addressed the public, the priority population, the needs assessments, the budget and the hypothetical plans to support the solution to the problem.
“It was a bit like a television argument for a health solution and community programs,” said Burchfield. “I appreciate that Dr. Wright selects me for this opportunity, and this is an experience of which I am very grateful.”
Each member had a role. Burchfield had experience in research, so she guided data collection and the finishing of the facts. George took the initiative of the analysis of the social determinants of health, the research of best practices and the drafting of measurable objectives. She also co-developed the logical model and helped shape the final presentation. Fortmann has created the design of the presentation.
Fortmann said she and Burchfield were waiting for online results when they received the news.
“We were just on the moon,” said Fortemann. “Even by preparing, we knew that we had a solid presentation. Although we never did anything like it, our talents have definitely shown, and we loved to represent KSU.”
Wright was at the SOPHE conference and said KSU’s public health program would earn a reputation for this honor.
“When one of the judges saw KSU on my badge, the judge said that the presentation of the students was exceptional,” said Wright. “Coming from a professional in the field, it was incredible to hear. Our students have done their best, and our program in KSU gains in national recognition. ”
– History of Dave Shelles
Matt Yung photos and supplied
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Innovative education and learning leader, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctorate diplomas to their more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the Georgia university system with 11 university colleges. The culture of the university’s dynamic campus, the diversified population, strong global links and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from the country and the world. The state of Kennesaw is a doctoral research institution designated by Carnegie (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8% of American colleges and universities with R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit Kennesaw.edu.