The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) has announced the appointment of Dr. Denny Fe Agana, PhD, MPH, as Director of Faculty Development. The appointment marks a strategic investment in supporting faculty growth and excellence across the school.
Dr. Agana, who currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Director of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program, brings extensive experience in education, research, and mentorship to her new role. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Florida and completed a postdoctoral T32 NRSA primary care research fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
"Dr. Agana's deep commitment to educational excellence and faculty mentorship makes her an ideal choice to lead our faculty development initiatives," said Dr. M. Kristen Peek, Senior Vice President and Founding Dean of SPPH. "Her track record of innovative teaching approaches and dedication to student success will translate seamlessly into supporting our faculty's professional growth."
In her new position, Dr. Agana will connect faculty with learning opportunities designed to enhance skills in education, research, practice, and mentorship while building overall self-efficacy. Her appointment reflects the school's commitment to investing in faculty development as a cornerstone of institutional excellence.
Educational Innovation and Applied Learning
Dr. Agana's teaching philosophy centers on applied learning with a team science approach, principles she has successfully implemented throughout her career at UTMB. As MPH Program Director since 2022, she has overseen curriculum development, student admissions, and program growth while maintaining a strong focus on practical, real-world applications of public health education. In 2022, Dr. Agana was recognized as Educator of the Month by UTMB's Academy of Master Teachers.
"I'm passionate about creating environments where faculty can thrive and reach their full potential," said Dr. Agana. "This role allows me to expand that mission by connecting our talented faculty with resources and opportunities that will enhance their teaching, research, and practice contributions."
Research Focus on Public Health Impact
Dr. Agana's research interests include HPV vaccination and improvements in public health education. Her work examines barriers to vaccination and develops strategies to increase vaccine uptake, particularly among underserved populations. This research directly informs her teaching and mentorship activities, creating a dynamic integration of scholarship and education.
Her commitment to mentorship has been a hallmark of her career. Currently, she mentors numerous MPH and MD/MPH students, guiding them through their integrative learning experiences and helping them achieve their long-term professional goals. This hands-on experience with student development provides valuable insights that will inform her approach to faculty development.
Building on Leadership Experience
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Agana has been instrumental in developing the Master of Public Health integrated core curriculum. Her professional service extends to national organizations, including membership on the Institutional Excellence Advisory Committee of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and leadership roles within the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG).
Vision for Faculty Development
As Director of Faculty Development, Dr. Agana will focus on creating comprehensive programming that addresses the diverse needs of SPPH faculty across all career stages.
"Faculty development is essential for maintaining excellence in public health education, research, and practice," Dr. Agana noted. "By investing in our faculty's growth, we strengthen our ability to train the next generation of public health leaders and address critical health challenges facing our communities."
The appointment comes at a time of significant growth for SPPH, as the school continues to expand its research portfolio, educational offerings, and community partnerships. Dr. Agana's leadership in faculty development will play a crucial role in supporting these institutional priorities.