Meet the students from the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Keenan Wright
Hometown: Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Program: Master of Public Health
Educational background: Bachelor of Science — Public Health, Health Education and Promotion concentration; Public Policy Studies minor, University of Alabama
Why did you decide to join your program?
During my freshman year at the University of Alabama, I became passionate about health education after initially majoring in athletic training and taking a general education course in personal health. After learning about the HIV epidemic affecting rural communities in Alabama and other regions across the country, I developed a strong interest in this health disparity and decided that I wanted to help those affected by it. Earning my Bachelor of Science was not where I wanted my education to end. I knew there was more I wanted to learn and additional skills I needed to develop to make the impact I hoped to achieve in public health. After researching graduate programs that aligned with my goals, I chose the University of Florida. The College of Public Health and Health Professions, particularly the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration, offers courses and faculty that I believe will allow me to expand my knowledge and develop the skills necessary to pursue a career as a health educator focused on HIV prevention and management.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program, or what are you most looking forward to?
Fall 2026 is my first semester in the program, and I am excited to begin this new chapter! I have always enjoyed being a student, and after being out of school for the past four years, I am eager to return to the classroom. I haven’t been working directly in the public health field since graduating. Instead, I took a step back to focus on my personal health and well-being. During this time, I lost approximately 200 pounds and focused on developing healthier eating habits and maintaining a consistent exercise routine. To stay engaged with the public health field and current public health issues, I passed the Certified Health Education Specialist exam in April 2025. To maintain my certification, I have continued participating in online trainings and forums focused on topics such as cultural humility, barriers to care and LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare. I am looking forward to building on my foundational knowledge of public health while developing new skills in leadership, program development and research.
What do you plan to do with your degree?
My dream job is to work as an HIV prevention and management program coordinator within a state- or federal-level department of health. I enjoy helping people, and education is my favorite way to do so. I believe knowledge and skills unlock people’s potential and empower them to make better lives for themselves and their families. I have lived in Pennsylvania for most of my life, but I greatly enjoyed my time in the southeastern United States. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in Georgia, Florida or Texas.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my free time, I enjoy working out (especially cardio), spending time outside by the pool and catching some rays during the summer, and taking weekend trips to the big cities around me here in the northeastern United States. I am a huge sports fanatic, and watching the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators and Atlanta Braves is my ideal way to unwind and relax on the weekends when I am home. I am also a dog dad, and I treat my 11-year-old pug, Otis, like he is my child. I love cuddling with him, laughing when he looks at me like I am crazy when I yell at the TV while one of my teams is playing, and spoiling him with treats and new toys.
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
The University of Florida is an outstanding institution with a mission to be among the top public universities in the United States. Its extensive resources, renowned faculty, groundbreaking research, and strong presence across Florida and beyond make it an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality education. The College of Public Health and Health Professions and the MPH program offer strong academic programs and accreditations that distinguish them from many others.
For anyone considering this program, I would encourage you to explore the wide range of opportunities that public health offers. Whether you are passionate about improving community health or come from another academic or professional background and want to expand your knowledge, public health is a broad and diverse field with many career paths. The MPH program at UF provides several concentrations that allow students to tailor their education to their interests and goals. An MPH can be valuable for individuals across many areas of healthcare and can help advance both professional skills and career opportunities.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the Master of Public Health program.
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