CHET Core Faculty Member Melinda Ickes, PhD, professor in the University of Kentucky College of Education, has been appointed to the James W. and Diane V. Stuckert Professorship in Service Learning. The professorship recognizes faculty whose work demonstrates a strong commitment to collaborative, service-oriented approaches to education, research, and community impact.
Dr. Ickes’ work has focused on developing sustainable partnerships that connect research, practice, and outreach through youth-centered prevention initiatives, public health communication, leadership development, and community-engaged research across Kentucky and beyond. This appointment will support expanded efforts in prevention science, health education, translational research, and student service-learning opportunities while strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations that connect scholarship to real-world impact.
“This appointment will help expand ongoing efforts connected to prevention science, youth empowerment, health education, and translational research while also strengthening opportunities for students to engage in meaningful service-learning experiences.
Moving forward, I see this professorship as an opportunity to further elevate engaged scholarship, mentor students and emerging professionals, and continue developing programs that create measurable impact across schools, communities, and public health settings. I am incredibly appreciative of the support from colleagues, students, and community partners who have contributed to this work along the way.” said Dr. Ickes.
Her appointment reflects CHET’s mission to foster innovative, transdisciplinary research and training that improves health outcomes while strengthening meaningful partnerships between researchers, students, and communities. The professorship also aligns closely with CHET’s commitment to training the next generation of population health researchers and supporting impactful research that addresses health disparities across Kentucky and beyond.