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: Kelcey Garrett
Program: Master of Public Health, social and behavioral sciences concentration
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Educational background: Bachelor of Science — Health Services Administration, University of Central Florida, 2026
Why did you decide to join your program?
As the daughter of a single mother who grew up in a low-income area of Duval County, I am strongly driven to improve the health and lives of the communities I live and work in. I’ve worked for Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville for eight years, currently as an ophthalmic technician, and children are my heart. UF specifically has a special place in my heart as I’ve grown up in a Gator family, so it was only right. I’m a first-generation college student and I felt like I would be doing myself a disservice by not becoming a Gator if given the chance.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program, or what are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to networking with my cohort, as well as diving deeper into my studies for my M.P.H.
What do you plan to do with your degree?
I plan to work in community health/policy, hopefully still for my current employer. I feel like this would give me the best access to helping improve the health of the kiddos in my area.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t have a lot of spare time between work, school and being my children’s personal taxi driver (two in competitive dance and one in football/basketball/track), but when I do get free time I love to read and go to theme parks.
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
I think that they should shoot for the stars. UF has been so welcoming so far and I’m excited to see where this degree and the school takes me.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the Master of Public Health program’s social and behavioral sciences concentration.
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