Susan Roberts-Dobie

Susan Roberts-Dobie serves as a Professor of Public Health in the Department of Nursing & Public Health within the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa, teaching core courses including 'Introduction to Public Health', 'Implementing Health Promotion Programs', and Liberal Arts Core Cornerstone/Capstone experiences.

Her educational background features a Ph.D. in public health (research methodology focus) from Oregon State University and undergraduate dual degrees in health education (teaching) and Spanish from the University of Northern Iowa.

Roberts-Dobie's research program emphasizes innovative health education delivery systems, with particular expertise in health literacy interventions targeting vulnerable populations. Her landmark five-year Iowa Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies project pioneered the use of hair stylists as lay health educators to disseminate contraception information, demonstrating community-based participatory approaches to address adolescent health disparities.

Professional recognition includes:

• 2006 UNI College of Education Excellence in Teaching Award
• 2007 Veridian Community Engagement Award for community health improvement initiatives

Her community-engaged scholarship integrates student involvement in real-world public health challenges, particularly through partnerships with local organizations like the Black Hawk County Health Department. She maintains active membership in key professional associations including the American Public Health Association, Iowa Public Health Association, Society for Public Health Education, and Eta Sigma Gamma.