University Health Services selects new prevention director

Jeanette Kowalik has been named the new director of prevention services and campus health initiatives at University Health Services (UHS), the student health clinic of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Kowalik currently serves as a program director for the Chicago Department of Public Health. Previously, she led health and life skills program development for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, worked with the Wauwatosa Health Department as a public health specialist, and coordinated the immunization program for the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

“Jeanette brings a wealth of experience in population health with an emphasis on adolescent and young adult populations,” says Sarah Van Orman, UHS executive director. “I’m excited for the passion and leadership she will bring to our efforts in creating a healthy campus.”

As director, Kowalik will serve as the UHS public information officer and lead interdisciplinary initiatives to address the needs of the UW–Madison campus on issues such as high-risk alcohol use, sexual assault, wellness, and campus mental health through collaboration with campus and community partners.

“I am truly honored to serve the campus and community in my new role,” says Kowalik. “It’s my goal to leverage the existing talent and expertise of UHS not only to increase the health status of the campus, but to cause a ripple effect of wellness in Madison and beyond.”

“Madison is a wonderful place,” adds Kowalik. “It’s an incubator for the essence of community, innovation and progress. I cannot think of a better place to be.”

In addition to her primary public health duties, Kowalik also has several years of academic experience. Recently, she was an adjunct professor for the Master of Public Health program at Benedictine University and previously taught as an adjunct for Bryant and Stratton College’s health care administration and medical assisting programs.

Kowalik earned her Ph.D. in health sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a master’s degree in public health from Northern Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, also from UWM. She is an active member of the American Public Health Associational and a recent recipient of the APHA Health Administration Section Chair Award.

Kowalik’s duties will begin on September 2.

—Alisa Santiesteban