Ann Elizabeth Montgomery Named to Prestigious Quetelet Professorship at UAB
In a remarkable stride for public health academia, Dr. Ann Elizabeth Montgomery has been named to the Quetelet Endowed Professorship in Public Health at the UAB School of Public Health. This appointment comes as a testament to her unwavering dedication to understanding and addressing homelessness, particularly among veterans.
Pioneering Public Health Initiatives
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Montgomery has distinguished herself as a leading figure in tackling homelessness. Her research has profoundly impacted how homelessness among veterans is perceived and addressed, particularly in rural settings.
“My work has led to important improvements in understanding rural homelessness among Veterans, but more work is needed to understand the dynamics of housing instability in rural areas among non-Veterans,” Dr. Montgomery stated. The endowed professorship, effective March 1, 2025, will provide her with the resources to expand this critical research scope.
The Quetelet Professorship: A Launchpad for Impact
This three-year professorship is specifically designed to support associate professors transitioning to full professorship by offering financial aid. Ann Montgomery’s appointment highlights her as a key figure in fostering new insights into public health patterns, particularly concerning homelessness and housing instability. As stated in University of Alabama at Birmingham, this initiative is pivotal in bridging gaps in health equity and education.
Embracing a Legacy of Innovation
Named after Lambert Adolphe Quetelet, the inventor of the Body Mass Index (BMI), the Quetelet Endowed Professorship has been a hallmark of innovation in public health research since its inception in 2012. It represents a commitment to pushing the envelope of public health studies, a mantle Dr. Montgomery is well-prepared to carry with vigor and insight.
Shaping the Future of Public Health Education
Beyond research, Dr. Montgomery will continue to mentor and collaborate with passionate students, broadening the influence of her work to inspire the next generation of public health savanteers. Her pivotal role in understanding housing dynamics among broader populations ensures that UAB remains at the forefront of public health issues, notably homelessness.
As Dr. Montgomery embarks on this new chapter under the Quetelet Endowed Professorship, the UAB School of Public Health continues to reaffirm its commitment to improving public health, safety, and well-being through eminent research, education, and service efforts.
