Oklahoma Public Health Leadership Institute Returns to Prepare the State’s Next Generation of Leaders

After a nearly decade-long hiatus, the Oklahoma Public Health Leadership Institute has returned with a renewed commitment to strengthening leadership across the state’s public health workforce.

The OU Center for Public Health Practice revitalized the institute in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Originally established more than 20 years ago through the OU Hudson College of Public Health and its Department of Health Promotion Sciences, the program has a longstanding history of preparing professionals to lead through the complex and evolving challenges facing public health.

Now housed within the Center for Public Health Practice, the institute is directed by Gerry Ibay, Ph.D., J.D., MHA, assistant professor and vice chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy. Senior Program Manager Rahma Osman, MHA, led the center’s implementation team, working closely with Ibay, OSDH and other partners to redesign the curriculum, recruit participants and coordinate the institute’s successful return.

The first cohort of the revitalized program brought together 21 OSDH employees from across the agency for an intensive six-month leadership development experience. Through monthly in-person retreats, nationally recognized leadership assessments, individualized coaching and peer learning, participants strengthened the skills needed to lead teams, think strategically and navigate organizational change.

The cohort gathered at the Hudson College on July 10 for a capstone symposium and graduation ceremony celebrating the completion of the program. During the symposium, participants presented projects examining leadership challenges and proposing innovative approaches to strengthen teams, improve organizational effectiveness and advance public health practice across Oklahoma.

While the graduation marked the end of six months of learning, it also represented the beginning of a broader investment in Oklahoma’s public health future. As graduates apply their new knowledge and perspectives throughout OSDH, they will help build stronger organizations and healthier communities across the state.

The institute’s return also renews an important partnership between the Hudson College and OSDH—one that will continue developing public health professionals prepared to lead with confidence, collaboration and purpose. Planning is underway to welcome the program’s next cohort.