Dr. Erin Holt
Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Department Chair
Department of Applied Health Sciences
Improving Quality of Life
About
The field of public health is continuously evolving in response to the needs of communities and populations around the world.
The fundamental mission of public health is to improve the diverse conditions and behaviors that affect all aspects of health so that all people can attain it. That mission includes not only the practice of public health promotion and policy but also the research of public health problems and the education of future leaders who will transform that research into practices and policies to improve the health of people regionally, nationally, and globally.
“Public health is an important field that is often overlooked. Millions of people are alive today thanks to public health initiatives, such as vaccination programs, clean air and water standards and policies, change in tobacco laws and community policies surrounding tobacco use, child safety laws, and workplace safety standards. Public health touches on almost every aspect of modern life with career options spanning from government agencies to nonprofit organizations to the private sector. As the world gets a glimpse into the public health world during the global pandemic, professionals in public health work together using evidence-based approaches and strategies to better the overall health and quality of life for populations and communities locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.”
—Dr. Erin Holt, Associate Professor of Exercise Science
Exceptional Experience
01/04
At Baker, learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom.
Careers
Our public health majors are prepared to work in fields such as these:
- Community health
- Health promotion and policy
- Environmental health
- Health communication
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Maternal and child health
- Minority health and health disparities
- Public health nursing
Scholarships
The Department of Applied Health Sciences gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:
- Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Exercise Science
- Benjamin A. Gessner Award
- Thomas G. Manson and Frances B. Manson Scholarship
- Robert L. Miller Scholarship
Concentrations
Physical Activity & Health Promotion Across the Lifespan Concentration
Health Communication & Literacy Concentration
Sociology & Cultural Competency Concentration
Public Health Course Descriptions
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Erin Holt
Chair of Applied Health Sciences Department, Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences
B.A. Park University, M.A. Southeast Missouri State, Ed.D. Delta State University
Office: Mabee Hall 405
Dr. Kimberly Schaefer
Associate Professor of Communication Studies
B.A. University of Richmond; M.A., Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin
Expertise: interpersonal communication, communication technology, personal relationships
Office: Parmenter Hall 18
Erin Laurie
Assistant Professor of Applied Health Science
B.S. Kansas State University, M.S. Kansas State University
Expertise: Community nutrition and public health
Office: Mabee 403
Molly Anderson
Assistant Professor of Laboratory Instruction
B.S. Baker University, M.S. Johns Hopkins University
Expertise: chemical education
Office: Boyd Science Center 302
Dr. Michelle Deming
Assistant Professor of Sociology
M.A. University of North Carolina in Wilmington; Ph.D. University of South Carolina; Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, University of South Carolina
Office: Parmenter Hall 23
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