Gemma Skuraton named runner-up recipient of NCHEC’s 2023 Outstanding Service & Leadership Award
Georgia Southern’s Director of Student Wellness and Health Promotion Gemma Skuraton, DrPH, was named the runner-up recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Service and Leadership Award in the Established Professionals category by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).
NCHEC developed the Outstanding Service and Leadership Award to recognize certified health education specialists (CHES®) and master certified health education specialists (MCHES®) — individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the health education profession.
Skuraton was recognized for multiple contributions to the profession of health education including the development of an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Fitness Professional Course. This is the first professional ethics course that bridges wellness, health education, gender and relationship-affirming practices for certified fitness professionals. Skuraton served as the Georgia Society for Public Health Education (GASOPHE) past president, current president and immediate past president (2022-2024), is the creator and campus lead of the Period Equity Movement at Georgia Southern University and has served as a public health undergraduate degree internship site supervisor, master and doctorate of public health practicum site supervisor, public health dissertation committee member as well as past advisor for Georgia Southern University’s certified peer educator registered student organization.
“Our committee is pleased to recognize your significant commitment to health education and health promotion as a CHES®, and as a leader and role model for so many students and colleagues alike,” NCHEC said of Skuraton.