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ATLANTA — Three Georgia State University School of Public Health alumni have been selected for the 2024 class of the Presidential Management Fellows program, the federal government's premier leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines.
Established 45 years ago by executive order and administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the PMF program selects finalists from a pool of applicants who participate in a rigorous assessment process. The program received more than 7,000 applications this year and selected 825 finalists, all of whom are eligible for full-time, two-year paid fellowships at a federal agency.
The Class of 2024 finalists who earned degrees from the GSU School of Public Health are:
- Jazmyne Butler (MPH ’21), Health Management and Policy concentration
- Denis M. Taylor (MPH ’23), Health Promotion and Behavior concentration
- Star Whitley (MPH ’23), Health Promotion and Behavior concentration
“The outstanding School of Public Health alumni who have been selected for this highly competitive program are poised for continued career growth and leadership,” said Dean and Professor Rodney Lyn. “I am confident they will make significant contributions to improving the health and well-being of populations and wish them continued success.”
Butler is currently an environmental health safety specialist at a large private organization, where she leads safety and health related initiatives to minimize the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses. Taylor is a senior assistant to an elected official for the Atlanta City Council, and Whitley is a professional school counselor in a local school district.
The alumni credited the School of Public Health with preparing them for the fellowship and the career opportunities it provides.
“The School of Public Health was pivotal in readying me for a health scientist
position at the federal level,” Taylor said. “From required courses like Evaluation Research, Biostatistics and Epidemiology to elective courses like Qualitative Research and Global Health, the School of Public Health has provided essential preparation for both public and private sector professional work. The availability of professors outside of class time was an asset in mitigating any questions with class work required and reconciling any class issues.”
“My time at the School of Public Health at Georgia State University has provided
me with a strong foundation in public health principles, research methods and practical skills that directly align with the requirements of this fellowship,” Whitley said. “Through coursework, hands-on projects and internships, I have developed expertise in program evaluation, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, which are key areas that are essential for success in this fellowship.”
They also offered advice to current students as they prepare for successful and impactful careers.
“I would add that students should seek diverse experiences through internships, volunteer work or research projects to enhance skills and identify areas of interest,” Whitley said. “Also, aim to build a strong foundation in public health principles such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and program evaluation. And lastly, network with peers and professionals, stay informed about trends, and maintain passion and commitment for improving community health."
“I would recommend every student in the School of Public Health apply for the Presidential Management Fellowship,” Taylor said. “It is a great opportunity to help create change at the federal level. Public health’s goal to prevent morbidity and mortality will require a unique and diverse perspective from professionals from all backgrounds. School of Public Health students are needed at all levels in public health. Pursue every opportunity. You will be ready.”
Click the links below to read the full Q&As.
When did you earn your MPH and what concentration were you enrolled in?
I received my Master of Public Health in December 2023. My concentration was in Health Promotion and Behavior.
What is your current title and employer?
I currently work as a senior assistant to an elected official for the Atlanta City Council.
What kind of role are you interested in pursuing in the federal government?
I am interested in working as a behavioral/health scientist or in any capacity to create life equity through health equity.
How has your time at the School of Public Health prepared you for this fellowship?
The School of Public Health was pivotal in readying me for a health scientist position at the federal level. From required courses like Evaluation Research, Biostatistics and Epidemiology to elective courses like Qualitative Research and Global Health, the School of Public Health has provided essential preparation for both public and private sector professional work. The availability of professors outside of class time was an asset in mitigating any questions with class work required and reconciling any class issues. The support of our class adviser was also extremely helpful during my tenure.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or say in summary?
I would recommend every student in the School of Public Health apply for the Presidential Management Fellowship. It is a great opportunity to help create change at the federal level.
Public health’s goal to prevent morbidity and mortality will require a unique and diverse perspective from professionals from all backgrounds. School of Public Health students are needed at all levels in public health. Pursue every opportunity. You will be ready.
When did you earn your MPH and what concentration were you enrolled in?
I earned my MPH in August 2023 with a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavior.
What is your current title and employer?
I currently serve as a professional school counselor in a local school district.
What kind of role are you interested in pursuing in the federal government?
I am interested in pursuing a position within the federal government that aligns with my passion for public health. Specifically, I am seeking roles that allow me to leverage my skills in program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, data analysis and community outreach to contribute to impactful initiatives that promote wellness and address public health challenges at a national level.
How has your time at the School of Public Health prepared you for this fellowship?
My time at the School of Public Health at Georgia State University has provided me with a strong foundation in public health principles, research methods and practical skills that directly align with the requirements of this fellowship. Through coursework, hands-on projects and internships, I have developed expertise in program evaluation, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, which are key areas that are essential for success in this fellowship.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or say in summary?
I would like to add that students should seek diverse experiences through internships, volunteer work or research projects to enhance skills and identify areas of interest. Also, aim to build a strong foundation in public health principles such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and program evaluation. And lastly, network with peers and professionals, stay informed about trends, and maintain passion and commitment for improving community health.