FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Michael E. Young, professor of health science, has been elected to the Board of the American Academy of Health Behavior. He will begin his term on the board by serving as secretary to the academy.

Young has been a professor the College of Education and Health Professions for more than 20 years. He is founder and director of the Health Education Projects Office.

"We are proud of the leadership role Dr. Young plays in the health science profession," said Sharon Hunt, head of the department of health science, kinesiology, recreation and dance. "Fellow status in the academy is bestowed on only those few professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession through their research."

The UA Health Education Projects Office is a five-time winner of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Award for Outstanding Work in Community Health Promotion. It was one of two organizations named by American Association for Health Education and Metropolitan Life to serve as a model for teacher training.

Under Young’s leadership, the HEPO has worked with schools and community groups throughout Arkansas and in 14 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. HEPO faculty and staff have conducted training in Honduras and Gabon, and research has been presented or published based on projects in Honduras, Jordan, Hong Kong, and Bolivia.

The mission of the Health Education Projects Office is to help people improve their quality of life by assisting them to develop healthy lifestyles. Faculty and staff from HEPO provide direct education in school and community settings, training for teachers and leaders, curricula and materials development, assistance with program implementation, research and program evaluation, and ongoing consultation for schools and agencies.

The American Academy of Health Behavior is a society of researchers and scholars in the areas of health behavior, education and promotion who seek to improve the stature of health education in the academic community and the community at large.