Announcing the 2024 SPHIS Alumni Fellow, Matt Rhodes
We are pleased to announce our 2024 Alumni Fellow, Matt Rhodes, MPH ’15. This award recognizes a graduate who has distinguished themselves in their field and is an exemplary ambassador for the university and SPHIS. October 10, 2024
Matt Rhodes received his Master of Public Health in 2015 from the University of Louisville. Rhodes received his Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Sociology from the University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He has also received leadership training from the CDC’s Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute and the Kentucky Public Health Leadership Institute at the University of Kentucky.
Rhodes is the Director of Public Health for the Oldham County Health Department. He previously served as Director of Operations for Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness until retiring from the department in 2020. Rhodes began his career in public health at Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness in 1996 as an Environmental Health Specialist. He progressed through management roles and was appointed Deputy Director in 2008. He held this position until becoming Director of Operations in 2017. Rhodes formerly held a position as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Louisville. Additionally, he served as Football Coach at Cumberland College from 1992-1995.
Rhodes serves in many volunteer leadership roles including Legislative Co-Chair for the Kentucky Health Departments Association, board member for Hope Health Clinic and Rotary in LaGrange, KY. He was recently appointed to serve on the KY Fish & Wildlife Commission. Matt was Chair of the Kentucky Registered Sanitarians Examining Committee from 2010-2018 and served as President for the Kentucky Environmental Health Association in 2006. Rhodes received the Trail Blazer Award from the Kentucky Health Departments Association in 2023 and the Elbert “Al” Austin Career Achievement Award from the Kentucky Public Health Association in 2020. He continues to mentor public health students in their capstone and practicum experiences.
Matt and his wife, Kelli, reside in Oldham County, on the family farm.
The school will honor Matt Rhodes at an Alumni Fellow Celebration on Thurs., Oct. 24. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners are invited. Learn more.
Related News
