The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health is home to the online CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health Program within the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Launched in 2006, the program trains a public health workforce dedicated to attaining the highest level of health for all individuals. As public health evolves, so does our leadership.
Darline K. El Reda, DrPH, MPH, is an accomplished academic leader and private-sector administrator who has been appointed as Director of the Master of Public Health Program and Associate Chair of Education. Her appointment begins on May 1, 2025.
El Reda is an applied public health practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience working in city, county, and state health departments. She has published on a variety of topics including infectious disease outbreaks, maternal and child health, patient-centered medical homes, immunization, obesity, and cancer. Her current research is focused on menstrual health and hygiene in Ghana.
El Reda has extensive experience in the use of health care administrative claims data in the design, implementation, and evaluation of value-based care programs from working in the health insurance industry for 15 years. She provides consulting to physicians, physician organizations, and insurance payers nationwide on transitioning from a fee-for-service to a value-based care reimbursement model.
"At Michigan State University, we are investing in the next generation of public health professionals while responding to the workforce needs informed by local health departments, private health sectors, and our alumni," said El Reda. "Having graduated an estimated 800 students, we are preparing the next generation of public health change agents focused on improving health outcomes and influencing health policy for all. In my role, I will foster a culture of collaboration with a fierce commitment to student success that meets the workforce needs of an evolving health care landscape."
In 2012, she joined the Michigan State University MPH program as an assistant professor. In 2023, her role expanded as associate director. At MSU, she has taught numerous public health courses on topics such as Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Informatics, Poverty, and more.
She completed her DrPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, and program evaluation at the University of Texas at Houston. She earned her Master of Public Health degree in community health education from California State University at Long Beach.
"As of fall 2024, the MPH program expanded to include three concentrations – Generalist, Data Management, and Rural Public Health to meet needs in Michigan and beyond," said Jennifer E. Johnson, chair of the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health. "Dr. El Reda exemplifies thoughtful leadership with real-world experience and instructional expertise. I look forward to her contributions to the future of public health education at Michigan State."
In her role as Director of the Master of Public Health Program and Associate Chair of Education, El Reda's responsibilities will include:
- Oversight of the administrative operations of MPH program
- Oversight of data reporting to ASPPH and CEPH and Accreditation responsibilities
- Oversight of competency attainment for MPH students.
- Oversight of undergraduate public health courses.
- Teaching and developing curriculum in MPH program.
- Producing scholarship in areas of public health and curriculum development,
- Representing the program in meetings within Michigan State University and the College of Human Medicine.
- Representing the program at local, regional, and national public health agencies and organizations.
- Elevating the stature and reputation of the program.
March 14, 2025
