Carrie Sue Shaver, an assistant professor of public health at New Mexico State University, has been selected for the prestigious National Rural Health Association Fellowship for 2023.
The competitive fellowship is awarded to a promising educator, scholar or practitioner who has proven their dedication to improving the health of rural Americans. The goal of the program is to educate and develop a network of diverse rural leaders to serve in key positions within the National Rural Health Association, affiliated advocacy groups, and local and state legislative bodies with health equity as a main focus.
“I am honored to be selected for this esteemed fellowship that will further my advocacy on behalf of rural health and strengthens my leadership on rural health issues,” said Shaver, who joined NMSU in 2021.
Shaver received a doctorate in health administration and a graduate certificate in international health from Central Michigan University in 2020. Her academic work focused on undergraduate and graduate program development in public health and nursing.
Before arriving at NMSU, Shaver developed and managed networks of health care employers to enhance recruitment for hard-to-fill health care positions and led the education-to-employment health care pipeline initiative for south-central Indiana.
Under the fellowship, Shaver will have a one-year commitment to go through an intensive program that aims to develop leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America.
“I am very passionate about the health challenges facing New Mexico communities, and I am looking forward to exploring ways to improve our understanding of these issues through community engagement and scholarship,” said Shaver, who is also a member of several prominent public health organizations.
Before entering academia, Shaver worked in the social service sector, administering disease prevention, treatment, and health and wellness programs for target populations, including those at high-risk for contracting HIV/AIDS.
“Dr. Shaver is a shining example of the quality of public health professionals and initiatives we now have in New Mexico,” said Jagdish Khubchandani, professor of public health at NMSU and one of Shaver’s colleagues. “Given the profound health needs of the border area, Dr. Shaver is already exploring ways to impact public health in the region within her first few years at NMSU. With the fellowship training, Dr. Shaver will be able to bring back many new insights and strategies for us to improve rural public health in New Mexico.”
Shaver’s current teaching and research focus on rural public health within the domain of health care administration. Her interests include evaluating public health initiatives regarding prevention, treatment and wellness for individuals with substance-use disorders and how social determinants of health and geography influence the health outcomes of the most marginalized and disadvantaged.
Earlier this month, Shaver attended the National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Policy Institute meeting in Washington, D.C. She will also attend the association’s annual conference in San Diego in May and a final graduation ceremony in February 2024, also in Washington, D.C.