Dawn K. Gentsch

BS Community Health Education '91
Des Moines, Iowa

In the 16 years since she graduated from Iowa State, Dawn Gentsch has distinguished herself as a trailblazer in the field of public health education. Her professional contributions to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the American Lung Association, the Institute for Drug Abuse Prevention, Indianapolis’ Riley Hospital for Children, and now at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, have made a lasting impact.

Her diverse experiences demonstrate her overall commitment to all aspects of public health. While employed by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Gentsch was a leader in developing a statewide program for newborn hearing screening. In 2005 she established the Iowa chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). She continues to serve as the speaker of the house for all chapters and as a member of the national board. In her current role as coordinator of special projects at the U of I, Gentsch focuses on improving the Midwest’s public health workforce.

An Iowa Community Health and a Public Health Education Leadership Institute scholar, Gentsch received her master’s of public health degree from Indiana University. In 2005, the ISU College of Human Sciences presented her with its Outstanding Young Professional Award. Gentsch is also a former member of the college’s curriculum advisory committee.

Gentsch is an annual member of the Alumni Association. She and her husband, Drew, are the parents of Walter and Meghan.