UAB MCH Center of Excellence | School of Public Health

Building a Healthier Future for Mothers, Children, and Families

The UAB Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Education, Science, and Practice (CoE), housed within the Department of Health Policy and Organization in the School of Public Health, is proud to be one of only 13 CoEs nationwide funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration/Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

With a legacy of leadership dating back to 1983, the mission of the CoE is to strengthen and expand the maternal and child health workforce—both current professionals and the next generation of leaders. Through graduate training, professional development, research, and strong academic-practice partnerships, we aim to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes for mothers, children, and families in Alabama and beyond. Students enrolled in the MCH graduate programs (both the DrPH and MPH), certificate programs, or MCH courses are considered long-, medium-, or short-term trainees. The CoE provides classroom training, experiential learning, financial support, student engagement, and leadership development opportunities to help students and professionals grow, connect, and lead in the field.

Key Activities

Education and Training
Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree or enhancing your skills with a specialized certificate, these programs provide the knowledge and experience to influence policy, improve practice, and make a lasting impact on families and communities. Learn more about our:
Student Support and Engagement
Varied professional development opportunities are available each semester, including leadership and engagement through the Maternal and Child Health Student Association (MCHSA).

Financial support is available each semester to MCH trainees*, as funds are available. This support includes the following:
- Scholarships and fellowships to doctoral-level trainees designed to assist with tuition costs and other expenses related to the pursuit of a DrPH
- Competitive scholarships to masters-level trainees designed to assist with tuition costs and other expenses related to their applied practice experiences (internship)
- Travel assistance for masters- and doctoral-level trainees to participate in MCH-related conferences
*Eligibility for financial assistance requires U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, permanent residency, or qualified alien status. MCH trainees are strongly encouraged to join the MCH Student Association (MCHSA).
Technical Assistance and Workforce Development

The UAB CoE seeks to establish and enhance academic-practice partnerships with state Title V and other MCH-related agencies/organizations to strengthen MCH capacity.

UAB CoE faculty, staff and trainees are extensively engaged in research, continuing education, and applied practice projects, providing technical assistance and subject matter expertise and continuing education to state Title V and other MCH-related agencies/organizations to support their work in improving MCH outcomes.
Resources

Leadership

Faculty

Julie Preskitt, MPH, PhD - Project Director, Professor
Martha Wingate, MPH, DrPH - Deputy Director, Professor & Chair
David Becker, PhD - DrPH Program Director, Associate Professor
Anne Brisendine, MPH, DrPH – Assistant Professor
Jessica Chambliss, PhD – Assistant Professor
Annie Glover, PhD, MPH, MPA – Assistant Professor
Heather Johnson, MPH, DrPH – Assistant Professor

Staff

Julie McDougal, MAE – Co-Coordinator
Elena Kidd, MPH – Co-Coordinator

MCH Student Association

All UAB students with particular interest in MCH are encouraged to join the Maternal & Child Health Student Association, or MCHSA. It is a student-led organization sharing MCH knowledge and experience with the school, campus, and community. Check out the MCHSA website to learn more. Email Julie McDougal with questions.

MCHSA Website Opens an external link.

Contact Us

For questions regarding the MCH CoE, contact Elena Kidd or Julie McDougal.