In October, Dr. Keith Elder (Ph.D. ’02, policy sciences) was awarded “Outstanding Alumnus” for Social & Behavioral Sciences at the 2022 Alumni Awards Ceremony and Reception. Dr. Elder focused on healthy policy during his time at UMBC, and has led a long career in public health. In 2020, he was appointed Provost and Executive Vice President of Mississippi College.
“Following his time at UMBC, Keith Elder, Ph.D. ‘02, health policy, has focused on research providing evidence to help inform health programs, health policy, and health care delivery, particularly in reducing health disparities and inequities. In his current role as Provost and Executive Vice President of Mississippi College, Dr. Elder aims to improve student outcomes, regardless of socioeconomic status or race/ethnicity. Since his appointment in July 2020, he has increased minority applicants by 15% and applicants from international students by 10%. Dr. Elder’s research focus stems from his experience growing up in a small town in Alabama, where he witnessed many Black men living in poverty. The disconnect between the health care needs of these men and the care they received led Dr. Elder to center his research on minority men’s health. He’s published more than 50 peer- reviewed articles and book chapters, is the Founding Editor in Chief of AIMS Public Health Journal, and a recipient of a New Connections award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others. Through his research, teaching, and academic leadership, Dr. Elder has shown how dedicated he is to improving the quality of health care for the most vulnerable populations.”
– UMBC Office of Alumni Engagement