March 4, 2026
The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health is pleased to announce that Suzanne Maman, PhD, has been named chair and Jo Anne L. Earp Distinguished Professor in the Department of Health Behavior, effective March 15. Previously, she served as a professor in the department of health behavior and as associate dean for global health.
Dr. Suzanne Maman
Maman is a prominent social scientist with extensive training in public health. She received a Master of Health Science and Doctor of Philosophy in international health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has been developing, implementing and evaluating HIV and violence prevention programs in sub-Saharan Africa for more than 20 years. Her work has informed related programs in Tanzania and South Africa and led to World Health Organization guidance and clinical tools that support women during the HIV testing process.
In addition to her research leadership, Maman is known as a dedicated mentor and educator with deep commitment to training the next generation of global health scholars and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Suzanne’s global experience brings a unique perspective to the role, and she has spent years supporting research, teaching and practice. She also was a driving force around the creation of a new bachelor’s degree in community and global public health at our School,” said Nancy Messonnier, MD, dean and Bryson Distinguished Professor in Public Health at UNC Gillings. “We prepare graduates who are ready to lead both locally and globally, and Suzanne has always embodied those dual priorities. I feel she is the perfect person to step into this important role.”
“I look forward to continuing to strengthen and expand our outstanding training programs, to establishing an environment where our faculty can advance competitive and high impact research, and to supporting the staff who sustain our work,” said Maman. “Our deep and committed alumni network and our longstanding community partnerships — both locally and globally — enrich our teaching, research and service missions. We will draw on these resources as we evolve within a rapidly changing public health environment. At a time when public health is confronting widespread misinformation and growing public mistrust, our department will continue to lead with evidence, innovation and meaningful community partnership.”
Dr. Kurt Ribisl
Maman succeeds former chair Kurt Ribisl, PhD, who was appointed dean of the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, effective March 1.
“Kurt has been a valued member of the Carolina community for 27 years. His impact and presence will be missed,” shared Messonnier.
She also thanked Nora Rosenberg, PhD, associate professor of health behavior, who distinguished herself as interim chair during the search for the department’s next permanent leader. As Maman takes on the role, she will step down as associate dean for global health. There will be an announcement about that search in the coming weeks.
“I have worked closely with Suzanne for many years and am consistently impressed by her strong commitment to our department’s research and teaching mission,” Ribisl said about his successor. “She offers valuable leadership experience and a clear vision for the Department of Health Behavior. I am confident in her continued success.”
Contact the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health communications team at sphcomm@unc.edu.