Director of Community Based Education, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine
2014 Graduate of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Master of Public Health Program
Andrew Morris plays two important roles at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ - he is not only an alumnus of the Master of Public Health Program but also a valuable member of the staff. While studying for his undergraduate degree, Andrew was an active participant in numerous student organizations that introduced him to individuals dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing in Southeast Ohio. It wasn't until his senior year when he enrolled in a public health course that he became convinced of his passion for this field. Although he received acceptance to several reputable MPH programs, he ultimately decided on ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ due to the program's historical focus on social justice.
Andrew completed his Master in Public Health degree in the fall of 2014 with a dual concentration in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention and Health Policy and Management. While pursuing his degree, he was employed full-time at a Federally Qualified Health Center and attended classes on a part-time basis. Following his graduation, he was offered a promotion to manage the newly established school health program. (Andrew’s MPH practicum was part of the development of this program.) He served in that position for a few years before being considered for his current role at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Andrew was encouraged to return as a staff member at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ by a couple of former mentors from the MPH program, which helped seal the deal for him. Andrew finds that the best part of working at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is the constant activity and buzz that surrounds the campus. He likes that there is always something going on. Whether it is campus events, lectures, workshops, and even the regular hustle and bustle of campus life, it’s a nice place to work.
Learn more about Andrew through the questions below
Can you describe a typical day or week in your job, and what are your main responsibilities? I spend a lot of time meeting with students about practicum and capstone projects. I spend time talking with faculty, community partners, campus partners, and colleagues within the Department, School of Medicine, and School of Graduate Studies for both administrative and community-based educational things.
What role does being an alumni of the MPH program impact your connections with MPH students? I think my ability to offer advice and guidance to students, especially when it comes to practicum and capstone, is enhanced by my experience as an MPH student. I know what it’s like to struggle with several deadlines and various professional responsibilities. I know what it’s like to be stressed out about finishing capstone. Drawing upon those very real experiences makes it easy for me to connect with current students.
How does your role as Director of Community Based Education set students up for success? The practicum and capstone are immensely important for a student’s educational and professional goals. Time after time I see students gain employment following graduation because of the skills, connections, and experience gained through successful practicums and capstones. The fact that we have my role in the program to support robust, individualized projects is a huge benefit to students that many larger programs don’t have.
What are some challenges recent graduates will face when entering the field and what advice would you give them? Public health is an exciting field. It’s also very broad, so at times the general public doesn’t always understand how important the public health workforce is to a functioning society.
What is your favorite secret or hidden gem in Cleveland, and why do you love it so much? My favorite restaurant in the area is Barroco in Lakewood. The MetroParks (all of them, but I’m partial to the Rocky River Reservation) are great. Rising Star for Coffee. Brick and Barrel for drinks. (Can you tell I’m a west sider?)