Coleman Elected President of National Public Health Accrediting Body
UNO is strengthening its national leadership in public health education as a campus leader takes on the presidency of CEPH, the field’s primary accrediting organization.
- contact: College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
- email: unocehhs@unomaha.edu
Jason D. Coleman, PhD, MSPH, associate dean in UNO’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, has been elected president of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the national accreditor for public health schools and programs. He will serve in 2026.
CEPH is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is responsible for ensuring quality and consistency in public health education nationwide. The organization accredits programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, helping to prepare professionals to address pressing health challenges in communities across the country.
Coleman is the first CEPH president to represent a standalone undergraduate public health program, marking a milestone for both UNO and the broader field of public health education. His election highlights the growing national importance of undergraduate training in preparing the next generation of public health professionals.
It is a privilege to represent UNO and advocate for high-quality public health education that prepares students to make a meaningful impact.”
“I am sincerely honored to serve in this important national role,” Coleman said. “It is a privilege to represent UNO and advocate for high-quality public health education that prepares students to make a meaningful impact.”
Coleman has served on the CEPH Council since 2022 and previously worked as a site visitor. As former director of UNO’s Public Health Program, he led the accreditation of the university’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree in 2014, placing UNO among the first standalone baccalaureate public health programs in the country to earn national accreditation.
Today, UNO’s public health program remains the only nationally accredited undergraduate public health program in Nebraska. Graduates pursue careers in government agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and community organizations, as well as advanced study in public health and related fields. Coleman’s leadership at CEPH strengthens UNO’s role in shaping the future of public health education while reinforcing the university’s commitment to workforce development, community engagement, and health equity.
University leaders say Coleman’s election reflects both his individual leadership and UNO’s broader impact in public health education.
“Dr. Coleman’s election as president of CEPH is a powerful reflection of the caliber of leadership at UNO and the national recognition of our community-engaged approach to education. His work exemplifies the mission of our university: Transforming lives through impactful scholarship and a deep commitment to public good.”
— Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor
“Dr. Coleman’s national leadership shows our students and community that world-class expertise lives right here in Omaha. His election reinforces UNO’s commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for careers right here in Nebraska that make our state one of the best in the nation to live, learn, work, and grow.”
— Phil He, PhD, Senior Vice Chancellor
As president of CEPH, Coleman will help guide accreditation standards and national policy conversations that influence how public health professionals are trained, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet evolving health challenges at local, national, and global levels.
More information about CEPH is available at ceph.org.