UA Faculty Member Named Health Educator of the Year

TUSCALOOSA, ala. – Dr. Mike Perko, chair and associate professor of health sciences in The University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences, was named Health Educator of the Year by the American Association for Health Education, the oldest organization for health education in America.

The award is given to one individual each year nationally who is recognized for outstanding achievement in the field of health education, either as a practitioner, faculty member or in Perko’s case, administrator.

“This award is a tremendous honor. I absolutely have to share this with Dean Milla Boschung and Associate Dean Olivia Kendrick, and my faculty and staff in the department of health science. It has really been a team effort. Nobody leads a department alone and I am proud and thankful to have linked arms with wonderful colleagues as we worked to keep our academic programs as strong as they have ever been,” Perko said.

Perko received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania in physical education and health, and community health education, respectively. He obtained his doctorate from UA.

In 2004, Perko was named chair of the department of health science at UA. The department offers a doctoral program in health education and health promotion, currently ranked 7th in the nation for similar programs, both an on-campus and distance master’s programs in health education, and an undergraduate program in health studies and athletic training.

At UA, Perko was appointed executive committee member to create the first professional position for UA Director of Health Promotion and Wellness, and served as chair for that position’s national search.

Perko, who research areas include worksite health promotion and the use of sports performance enhancers by young athletes, has authored two books, one book chapter, 30 peer-reviewed publications, 90 refereed presentations and presented multiple keynote and distinguished lectures.