Meet Katrina Fillyaw: Using Health Education to Address Disparities in Rural Communities
Katrina Fillyaw
Employer: Florida Department of Health
Position: Public Health Services Manager
What drew you to the M.S. in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida? Has the program lived up to your expectations?
I was drawn to the program because of its strong focus on preparing students to become effective health educators and leaders. Additionally, the online option was essential because I am a full-time employee in the Florida Department of Health.
The curriculum’s balance of theory, research, and application aligned perfectly with my career goals in public health, and the program has absolutely lived up to my expectations by providing both academic rigor and practical tools I can apply directly in my work.
What are you most satisfied with in regards to your experience in the program?
I am most satisfied with the way the program challenged me to grow as both a professional and a critical thinker. The support from faculty, along with opportunities to apply what I learned to real-world health education settings, has been incredibly rewarding.
What knowledge and skills did you acquire that you find especially valuable?
I gained a strong foundation in program planning, implementation, and evaluation, along with enhanced communication skills for diverse populations. The emphasis on cultural competence and addressing health disparities has been especially valuable for my work in rural and underserved communities.
What were your interactions with your faculty and with other students like?
My interactions with faculty have been very positive — they are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success.
Collaborating with other students has also been a highlight, as it has allowed me to learn from peers with diverse backgrounds and experiences in health education.
How has the program benefited you already and how do you foresee it benefiting you in your career plans?
The program has already strengthened my professional skills and deepened my understanding of how to address health disparities, particularly in underserved and rural communities. It has given
me the tools to design, implement, and evaluate effective health programs in my current role.
Looking ahead, I know this degree will open opportunities for leadership and allow me to better advocate for the populations I serve.