UBNow

Jessica S. Kruger has been appointed assistant dean of teaching innovation and excellence in the School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP), effective June 29.

Kruger is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior and has served with distinction as the school’s director of teaching innovation and excellence since 2021. Her appointment as assistant dean recognizes her sustained leadership, vision and impact in advancing high-quality, innovative and accessible teaching across SPHHP.

In her new role, Kruger will provide strategic, schoolwide leadership for teaching and learning initiatives, including advancing instructional innovation, with a particular focus on integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into education and overseeing instructional accessibility and ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

Kruger has authored a substantial body of peer-reviewed work focused on pedagogy and instructional innovation, and is a recognized leader in the scholarship of teaching and learning in public health.

Her contributions have been nationally recognized with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Early Career Teaching Excellence Award, the 2026 UB Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award, and many more institutional and professional honors for teaching innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Beyond her scholarship, Kruger has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and faculty development, guiding junior faculty, graduate students and interdisciplinary teams while helping to cultivate a culture of excellence and inclusivity in teaching.

Her leadership has also extended to university and national service, including roles on AI, curriculum and teaching advisory committees, and leadership within ASPPH initiatives.