Rate My Professor Heidi Hancher-Rauch

Dr. Heidi Hancher-Rauch serves as professor and director of the public health program at the University of Indianapolis in the Department of Kinesiology, Health & Sport Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. Possessing a PhD and MCHES certification, she contributed over 17 years to the institution after prior teaching at Purdue University. Her professional trajectory highlights dedication to advancing public health education, leadership, and advocacy at both academic and national levels.

Dr. Hancher-Rauch's research centers on health advocacy and policy, evaluation of public health education and promotion programs, and optimal teaching practices in public health curricula. Key publications include "The Coalition of National Health Education Organizations: Recent Advances to Strengthen the Health Education Profession" (2024), "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Health Education Specialists" (2024), "Advocacy Skill Development in Public Health Education Curriculum: A Pilot Study" (2024), "Health Education Specialists: Professional Practice During a Pandemic" (2021), "Health Advocacy for Busy Professionals: Effective Advocacy With Little Time" (2019), and "CHES, MCHES, and/or CPH? Selecting the Best Credential for You" (2019). In professional leadership, she was elected President-Elect of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) Board of Trustees in 2024, following prior service on the board and as national co-chair of the Advocacy & Resolutions Committee; she also held the Advocacy and Resolution trustee position since 2019. She earned a 2021 university award for leadership and service in public health planning and preparation. Dr. Hancher-Rauch has featured in media such as WalletHub on health rankings, Zippia on public health careers, and Fox59 discussing the Children's Health Insurance Program. Her advocacy extends to gun violence prevention and health equity initiatives.