University of Minnesota School of Public Health Professor Jamie Stang has been recognized with the 2025–26 Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate and Professional Education, an honor that celebrates faculty who have made significant contributions to graduate and professional education at the University. Established in 1999, the award recognizes excellence across teaching, advising and mentoring, student involvement in research and professional development, and the development of innovative academic programs.

Stang, a nationally recognized expert in maternal and child nutrition, focuses her work on the role of nutrition in preventing poor maternal and fetal health outcomes and reducing obesity risk during early childhood. Her research is focused on improving outcomes for marginalized, underserved, and rural maternal and child health populations. She is also deeply involved in public health nutrition and maternal and child health workforce development, helping train the next generation of professionals in the field.

In addition to her teaching, Stang is a dedicated mentor who has advised numerous graduate students, guiding them through research, professional development, and career pathways in public health nutrition. She is also recognized for involving students in applied research and practice-based projects, helping them gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom.

In announcing the award, the University noted that “Jamie Stang created the first Coordinated Master’s Program in Public Health Nutrition, establishing a model that became the national standard. She specializes in developing community-engaged academic programs that bridge the university-community divide and generate tangible public health benefits. She also secured substantial federal funding to build training centers where she has mentored future professionals, helping develop leadership capacity and practical expertise in policy, communication, and professional practice.”

In nominating Stang for the award, SPH Mayo Professor and Division Head of Epidemiology & Community Health Lisa Harnack wrote, “Few faculty members have had as sustained and far-reaching an impact on program development as Dr. Stang. She has been the driving force behind multiple educational innovations within the School of Public Health and the broader field of maternal and child health nutrition. She has profoundly influenced generations of students and elevated the University’s national stature.”

The award is supported by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.