Gifty Akomea Key, EdD
Chair and Assistant Professor,
Health and Exercise Sciences
Dr. Gifty Akomea Key has two decades of experience as a scholar-practitioner. Key started her public health career with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in 1999. After inspecting a plethora of NYC establishments, representing the Bureau in adjudication tribunals, interviewing with several media outlets, engaging in the Mayor’s taskforce operations, and collaborating with federal agencies at national political conventions, she was selected as the sole representative in an international documentary series that highlighted environmental health in NYC.
In 2006, Key was promoted to Assistant Director of Staff Development and Training. In her new role, Key implemented a new curriculum for the Health Academy, which is not only charged with the training of all new health inspectors for the City of NY, but also for the food safety training of all restaurateurs operating within five boroughs of New York City.
After relocating to Pennsylvania and completing her doctoral degree, Key worked in different administrative and pedagogical roles in higher education, to include local institutions such as Pierce College, Immaculata University, and Saint Joseph’s University.
Key earned a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, a Master of Science degree in Community Health and Health Management from Long Island University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education from Saint Joseph’s University.
A published author, Key has presented Blurred Lines: Constitutional Laws versus Public Health Laws at the 2016 national American Public Health Association conference. In 2019, Key became the Coordinator and Faculty of the Public Health Program at Montgomery County Community College. Within the first year of the new role, Dr. Key secured two grants, one of which was a state grant focused on the prevention of opioid use disorder. With the additional role as Program Director of the grant, Key focused on preventing disease and addiction among college students, as well as promoting health prosperity for the constituents of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In February 2020, Key presented at the American Association of Community Colleges national conference on Mental Health, Addiction, and Opioids: Effects on the Workplace and on Promoting Rural Prosperity.
Key is now focused on educating future healthcare providers, who are discerning and passionate about creating a healthier society. Key is passionate about educating critical thinkers on the application and importance of “good physical, social, and mental health.”
Dr. Key teaches Pathophysiology and the Treatment of Disease, Communication for Healthcare Providers, Health Programming and Education, and Health Systems Organization, in addition to the Coordination of Internships and Capstone projects for Health Science majors.
Presentations
Higher Education Suicide Prevention Coalition Conference Presentation 2023
American Public Health Association Annual Conference Presentation 2021