Anthony J. Santella

Anthony Santella is Professor of Public Health, Director of the Public Health Program and Director of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at Fairfield University. With over 20 years of experience in public health teaching, research, and service, he has acquired several advanced degrees and credentials in the field. These include an MPH from Emory University, a DrPH from Tulane University, a CPH (Certified in Public Health) from the National Board of Public Health Examiners, and an MCHES (Master Certified Health Education Specialist) from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. These credentials demonstrate his expertise and dedication to advancing public health education and practice.

Anthony's research focuses on improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, such as people with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, and STDs, as well as gender and sexual minorities, justice-involved persons, youth, and people experiencing homelessness. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and presented at national and international conferences. He also regularly provide analysis and commentary for national and international media outlets, such as the New York Times, Forbes, and Washington Post among others, to raise awareness and inform the public about critical public health issues and solutions.

Additionally, Anthony serves in various leadership roles such as the Executive Committee and Co-Chair of the Quality Improvement Strategic Planning and Assessment Committee of the New Haven-Fairfield Counties HIV Ryan White Planning Council, and a Director for the Division Board of Certification of Health Education Specialists of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Additionally, he is a member of the CT General Assembly's Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health and the City of Norwalk's Board of Health. Previously, Anthony was a member of the American Public Health Association leadership (Executive Board, Chair of the Committee on Health Equity, Chair of the Education Board, and Co-Chair of the Joint Policy Committee). Through these positions, he aims to influence policy and practice, promote collaboration and innovation, and advocate for health equity and social justice.

Anthony's work has been recognized by various awards and honors, including the University of New Haven School of Health Sciences Distinguished Service Award (2022), the Long Island Ryan White HIV Planning Council Distinguished Provider of the Year (2020), the Hispanic Counseling Center Professional Achievement Award in Public Health (2019), the New York State Health Commissioner’s World AIDS Day Special Recognition Award (2018), and the Adelphi University Innovation in Health Literacy and Education Award (2017). He was also inducted into the Delta Omega Public Health National Honor Society in 2005.

Public Health, Program Planning and Evaluation, Public Health Leadership, Survey Research Methods

• Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences Distinguished Service Award, University of New Haven. (May 2022).
• School of Health Sciences Distinguished Service Award, University of New Haven. (May 2022).
• Distinguished Provider of the Year, Long Island Ryan White HIV Health Services Planning Council. (December 2020).
• Professional Achievement Award in Public Health, Hispanic Counseling Center. (October 2019).
• World AIDS Day Special Recognition Award, New York State Department of Health. (December 2017).
• Innovation in Health Literacy and Education Award, Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation. (May 2017).
• Alpha Eta Health Professions Honor Society, Long Island University. (2010).
• Jack R. Aron Public Health Scholar, Tulane University. (2006).
• U.S. Public Health Traineeship, Tulane University. (2006).
• Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health. (2005).
• Jack R. Aron Public Health Scholar, Tulane University. (2005).
• U.S. Public Health Traineeship, Tulane University. (2005).