Academic Spotlight: Dr. Ashley Love, Program Director of Public Health Programs

Dr. Ashley Love believes in the power of education – from earning multiple degrees at Columbia University, a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and teaching in Brooklyn, New York, to now serving as program director of public health programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Recently, Love answered some questions about her path to SNHU, her work through the years in public health and her passion for supporting military spouses.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

My career has been built in two worlds that rarely slow down: public health and military life. For more than a quarter century, I have worked across healthcare, public health systems and higher education — and curiosity has been my compass.

In the 1990s, I worked as a full-time lecturer in the biology department at a community college in Brooklyn. In New York City, I worked in hospitals and community settings, including methadone clinics and I supported caregiving for people living with HIV and AIDS and for families navigating Alzheimer’s disease.

I also worked with the New York City Department of Health, where I learned that trust is public health infrastructure. Later, I served as Delaware’s State Epidemiologist and Bureau Chief of Epidemiology, leading biosurveillance and emergency response during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Today, I serve as director of the CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health program at SNHU. My work focuses on strengthening public health education & public health workforce and advancing the ethical implementation of artificial intelligence in public health because people deserve innovation that protects dignity and expands opportunity. I am Certified in Public Health and a Certified Health Coach. I also serve nationally as Chair of the Action Board of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and on the APHA Executive Board, along with other boards committed to strengthening public health.

Through it all, I have been an active-duty military spouse for more than 20 years, living in Europe, Asia and across the United States, learning how to build stability, community and purpose wherever life sends us.

What first drew you to higher education?

It began with a classroom in Brooklyn, NYC. As a biology lecturer in the 1990s, I watched students walk in tired, unsure and carrying a full life, then walk out with confidence and a plan. I fell in love with that shift. It is still my favorite part of this work since I believe one person can make a difference.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

I started at Barnard College of Columbia University studying psychology and biology because I wanted to understand both people and science. I later earned an MS in Nutrition and an MPH in Aging and Public Health from Columbia University and then a Doctor of Public Health from Columbia University, which shaped how I lead with evidence and teach with heart.

Almost two decades later, I returned to school and earned a Doctor of Health Science from Nova Southeastern University focused on telehealth and education for healthcare providers. That choice was my reminder that growth stays available, and learning stays powerful at every stage of life.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

Public health is where science meets people. It is care for the greater good and service to whole communities. I stay excited because public health gives us the chance to serve many, prevent suffering and build trust. Right now, with telehealth and artificial intelligence accelerating, we have a chance to expand access and strengthen outcomes and ethics must lead the way.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

I connect through clarity, consistency and care. Online adult learners balance jobs, caregiving, deployments, relocations, real life and they deserve structure that supports them and teaching that respects their experience. As an active-duty military spouse, I understand change as a constant, so I build learning spaces that feel steady, human and motivating while acknowledging the uncertainty and anxiety of doing something new and different.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

Watching students claim their voice and their purpose. There is a moment when a learner stops asking if they belong and starts leading. That moment feels electric!

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

Our students bring lived experience into every discussion, and many are already serving their communities. Many are also military connected, so resilience and service show up in real ways. Our faculty bring practice into teaching, which keeps learning grounded, relevant and connected to what public health needs now.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

It means possibility becomes real. Transformation looks like a learner who thought they were behind, then realizes they are right on time. My personal mission is to help people become lifelong learners and to remind them that it is never too late to find purpose and build a meaningful life. I am excited to be at SNHU because this university believes in that mission, and because we have the chance to create real impact for students, families and communities.

Serve many. Lead with heart. Keep learning.

Outside of work, what is something you are passionate about or really enjoy doing?

Outside of work, I am passionate about supporting military spouses and women leaders. After more than 20 years as an active-duty military spouse, living in Europe, Asia and across the United States, I understand what it takes to rebuild community, career and identity again and again without having much control of the future at times. I love helping women step into their voice, lead with confidence and turn transition into power.

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 is a content marketing specialist and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at SNHU. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in marketing online at the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.