Dr. Peck named associate public health dean









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Magda Peck, Sc.D.
A nationally recognized leader in public health, Magda Peck, Sc.D., has been named associate dean for community engagement and public health practice in the UNMC College of Public Health.

Dr. Peck assumes her new role effective Thursday.

The newly created position demonstrates the college’s commitment to improve the health of communities in Nebraska and beyond and provide life-long education and leadership development opportunities for practicing professionals in public health systems.

“A primary focus of this college is to contribute to the health and well-being of communities and populations,” Dr. Peck said. “Around the state and around the world, we will make a greater difference in the public’s health through effective partnerships in research, education and service.”












More on Dr. Peck



Education: Masters and doctoral degrees, Harvard School of Public Health

Previous positions:

  • Founding CEO of CityMatCH; and
  • Founding director of the UNMC/UNO master of public health program.

Other appointments:

  • Professor and associate chairwoman in the department of pediatrics;
  • Chair-elect of the National Public Health Leadership Development Network; and
  • Director of health policy and planning at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.




Dr. Peck’s appointment is the first major announcement by new COPH dean, Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H.

“Dr. Peck is well-respected in the national public health community for her innovative thinking and program development,” Dr. El-Mohandes said.

In her new capacity, she will establish and support a network of departments of health, practitioners, as well as representatives of community advocacy groups to address public health issues and offer solutions, Dr. El-Mohandes said.

“This appointment is a substantive indicator of the relationship our new dean and our college want to have with our partners,” Dr. Peck said. “It is a serious investment in engaging communities and supporting practicing professionals as essential ways to increase our impact on the public’s health.”

Dr. Peck will continue to direct the Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute, which is a premier program in the College of Public Health. A recognized expert in maternal and child health, she also will continue her leadership work in the field in close partnership with the UNMC pediatrics department.