Gary Gilmore, Public Health & Community Health Education

Gary Gilmore, Public Health & Community Health Education

Dr. Gary Gilmore, professor of Public Health and director of assessment with the Public Health and Community Health Education Department, and director of Community Health Programs with Graduate & Extended Learning.

Began at UWL: 1974

Favorite class to teach: All of the courses I teach, with a special focus on Epidemiology. The study of Epidemiology enables us to accurately focus on the upstream practices of primary prevention and health promotion in our lives before more challenging and costly downstream issues in life prevail, such as chronic disease. Over the years, I have developed a strong preventive mindset that I willingly share with others.

Favorite class in college: Graduate Epidemiology with an emphasis on cancer prevention and control, which is tied into my 13 years as a National Board Member with the American Cancer Society.

Favorite spot at UWL: At my office with an open door, addressing my professional responsibilities, to include local, national, and global communications with students and professional colleagues. I value the realm of research, teaching, and sharing with others that I am fortunate to have encompassed within my career-related responsibilities for over 50 years.

Favorite pastime when not working: Connecting with family members, alumni, and colleagues around the world. Directly stated, what we do as faculty, parents, and grandparents is to prepare those around us for real world issues, some of which will occur in their future realms of activity. Overall, I remain in continual communication with them, learning about their current activities, and seeing if I can be of some appropriate assistance.

Favorite vacation spot: Kennebunkport and Acadia National Park together in Maine. One just has to visit this part of our country to connect with the people and their special surroundings (e.g., the Atlantic coastline). Returning is always a rejuvenating treat.

Final thoughts: My "final thought" is actually a "continuing thought" that I contemplate every day: Love what you do in your career, and to go far, make certain to have trusted supporters on your entire life's journey.

Gilmore honored for 50 years of service

A large crowd filled the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center Great Hall to honor Professor Gary Gilmore for his more than 50 years of dedicated services to UW-La Crosse and the field of public health on May 2. Former students now serving as public health leaders and fellow faculty and staff shared stories from Dr. Gilmore's years of service. He has shaped the field of public health through his leadership and expertise, notes Keely Rees, professor and chair, Public Health & Community Health Education.

"From urban health departments to national initiatives, his dedication has left a significant mark in the profession and with our alumni," says Rees.

Professor Gilmore and departmental colleagues were instrumental in developing the first Bachelor of Science Program in Community Health Education in the UW System in 1976. Gilmore then led the development of the first Master of Public Health (MPH) program within the UW System in 1991. He also headed the process to accredit those programs and served as Director of Community Health Graduate programs for over 25 years. Gilmore and departmental colleagues were instrumental in developing the first Bachelor of Science Program in Community Health Education in the UW System in 1976. Gilmore then led the development of the first Master of Public Health (MPH) program within the UW System in 1991. He also headed the process to have those programs accredited and served as director of Community Health Graduate Programs for over 25 years.

Beyond campus, he chaired the national role delineation research that contributed to the professional preparation and certification of health education specialists, and made extensive contributions to statewide and national health-related committees, and more.

Heclarifies that the 50-year milestone celebration is not connected with retirement.

"Retirement is not part of my vocabulary," he says with a smile. "I am more energized now than decades before. I love what I do. I am here on weekends not because I have to be, but because I enjoy everything that has evolved."

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