College for Public Health and Social Justice Announces Award Winners
Faculty and staff at the College for Public Health and Social Justice at Saint Louis University recently recognized faculty and staff with awards.
2025-2026 Kroeff Family Award for Excellence in Teaching
The 2025-2026 recipient of the Saint Louis University Kroeff Family Award for Excellence in Teaching is Lauren D. Arnold, Ph.D.
In 2025, the Kroeff Family Endowed Award in Teaching Excellence and the Kroeff Family Term Award in Teaching Excellence was established to recognize outstanding faculty in SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice.
Cathy and Gene Kroeff established the Kroeff Family Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2019 to support future undergraduate students majoring in public health at SLU and in 2025 the couple created the Kroeff Family Endowed Award in Teaching Excellence and the Kroeff Family Term Award in Teaching Excellence.
From the many exceptional teachers nominated by students, one faculty member is selected by a committee of students.
Arnold is an associate professor in epidemiology and the director of the health management and public health undergraduate programs.
“It is so fitting that Dr. Arnold is the inaugural recipient of this honor! She pours her heart and soul into our undergraduates, and I’m delighted to see them recognize her in this way,” said Leslie McClure, Ph.D., dean of College for Public Health and Social Justice,
Terry Leet Teaching Award
The 2025-2026 recipient of the Terry Leet Teaching Award is Elizabeth Baker, Ph.D.
Baker is a professor of behavioral science and health equity in SLU's College for Public Health and Social Justice.
Terry Leet, Ph.D., was a faculty member at the Saint Louis University School of Public Health for more than 10 years. He battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and passed away on April 29, 2009. Leet was a leader and researcher, but he was best known for his ability to distill complicated information into simple concepts. He was considered challenging yet fair, fastidious yet down to earth. Leet left a legacy of teaching excellence, which the college honors every year at graduation by recognizing the College Teacher of the Year.
“Dr. Baker exemplifies the qualities demonstrated by Dr. Leet," McClure said. "Students consistently praise her ability to translate complex concepts into real‑world applications, and I have heard more than one student say that Dr. Baker inspired their decision to pursue a concentration in behavioral science and health equity.”
A student who nominated Baker praised her teaching.
“Dr. Baker demonstrates knowledge for public health and her classes are structured with our final projects in mind," the nominator said. "She is energetic and intentional when teaching and speaking about her field, and provides honest, equitable and great feedback to her students. She offers additional perspectives to think about but always values everyone’s opinion and values us individually. A great learning tool is her use of her real-life examples, which adds to why Dr. Baker is a great professor and deserving of this.”
Staff Excellence Award
The 2025-2026 recipient of the inaugural Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice Staff Excellence Award is Kimberly Elliott.
Elliott is a program manager for the Master of Public Health program in SLU's College for Public Health and Social Justice.
The CPHSJ Staff Excellence Award honors outstanding professional contributions of staff members and their role in advancing our college’s mission through exceptional service to the college, above and beyond their normally assigned job responsibilities. Nominees for this award must demonstrate the highest levels of respect, integrity and excellence in all areas of their position. Nominations were accepted from students, faculty and staff; a committee that included a student, faculty, and staff member selected the recipient.
“I can think of no better person to receive our first-ever CPHSJ Staff Excellence Award than Kimberly Elliott." McClure said. "She embodies the very best of our college — going above and beyond in everything she does, lifting others up, and advancing our mission with dedication and heart. She received multiple nominations from colleagues across the college, reinforcing what so many of us already know: Kimberly is truly one of the cornerstones of our community."
Nominations for Elliott compliment her professionalism.
“Kim approaches every interaction with unwavering honesty, positivity and diplomacy," the nominator said. "Whether she is navigating a challenging administrative situation or supporting a student through a difficult moment, she does so with grace and professionalism.”
Another nomination said Elliott is a valued member of the community.
“She supports opportunities for connection and care, such as talent shows, potluck gatherings, and de-stress rooms, that emphasize inclusion, mutual respect, and joy," the nominator said. "She is collaborative, regularly engaging students, faculty, and staff in the development and implementation of new ideas. Kim is innovative, yet grounded in practice, trying new ideas, refining processes, and making improvements based on real-world experience. Importantly, she is not only open to change but actively seeks it out when it will better serve our community.”