In April 2024, the University of Maryland (UMD) School of Public Health (SPH) will recognize four outstanding members of the SPH community with the Distinguished Terrapin Award. As the school's highest honor, these individuals are recognized for their outstanding professional achievement, service to the school, cultivation of a culture of philanthropy and/or advancement of the Dean’s strategic priorities. The awardees will be acknowledged at the Dean's Recognition Ceremony on April 19, 2024, attended by members of the SPH Dean’s Circle, Dean's Council, and friends of the school, along with senior faculty, staff, and students.
The 2024 Distinguished Terrapins are:
- Dr. Jane Clark
- Mrs. Dawn Collins
- Dr. Alice Horowitz, PhD '92
- Dr. Robin Mockenhaupt, PhD '99
Dr. Jane Clark
Former Dean
Professor Emerita & Former Chair, Dept. of Kinesiology
UMD School of Public Health
Dr. Jane Clark is a former Dean of the School of Public Health (2012-2016) and Professor Emerita in the Department of Kinesiology (Chair, 2000-2010) and the Neural and Cognitive Science program at UMD. Clark's research is focused on motor development in typically developing children and those with Developmental Coordination Disorder. An accomplished scholar, Clark has co-edited 7 texts, authored over 125 publications, and presented over 250 scientific papers globally. Clark is recognized as a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology and received the prestigious Hetherington Award in 2022. She is dedicated to promoting physical activity in children and has mentored numerous students, earning accolades such as the Phillip Merrill Presidential Scholar Mentor and Research Mentor of the Year at UMD. She is also proud to have initiated the college's chapter of Public Health without Borders. Clark holds degrees from SUNY Brockport, the University of Washington, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology.
Apart from her academic service, Clark is a donor to SPH and an advocate for its work in the community. Clark's illustrious career at the University of Maryland, College Park included a significant tenure as the Dean of SPH for four years. During her leadership, Clark made substantial contributions to the school, elevating its standing and fostering excellence in research and education. Under her guidance, the Department of Kinesiology, where she served as Chair for 10 years, achieved a remarkable ranking in the top three in the National Academy's doctoral program evaluation. Clark's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her innovative approaches to motor development research significantly enriched the academic environment. Her impact extended beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing interdisciplinary collaborations with the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Apart from her academic achievements, her philanthropic contributions and advocacy for school initiatives demonstrate a multifaceted engagement that aligns with its mission and goals. Clark's influential leadership and commitment to excellence in public health education make her highly deserving of recognition and affirm her profound engagement.
Clark has dedicated much of her life to SPH. During her four years as Dean, the school received increased national recognition for excellence in research and education. As Chair of the Department of Kinesiology, she saw the doctoral program achieve a top three ranking by the National Academy. She also initiated interdisciplinary collaborations between SPH and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Apart from her academic service, Clark is a leading donor to SPH and an advocate for its work in the community. She established three scholarships for undergraduate students (one for any public health student, another kinesiology students, and another for public health science students), a lectureship on motor development, and a fellowship for graduate students in Kinesiology with international research interests.
Mrs. Dawn Collins
Program Analyst
Food and Drug Administration
Mrs. Dawn Collins, a passionate advocate for public health and combating hate-fueled violence, serves as a Program Analyst for the Food and Drug Administration. Previously, she worked as a USDA and NYC Board of Education inspector. Since the tragic murder of her son, Lt. Richard W. Collins III, in 2017, Collins has emerged as a leader against hate crimes in Maryland. Partnering with institutions of higher learning and civil rights organizations, she works to raise awareness about hate groups targeting majority-white colleges and universities. In September 2023, President Joe Biden honored her as a National Uniter against hate, recognizing her impactful efforts in combating hate-fueled violence. Collins holds a B.S. in Environmental Health from East Carolina University and a Master’s of Public Administration from Troy University.
Collins exemplifies an extraordinary commitment to the values and priorities of SPH. She has passionately dedicated her time and personal experiences to the SPH community, actively contributing to its mission of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and belonging. She is an impactful speaker at events such as the SPH Convocation, TerrapinSTRONG Graduate Student onboarding workshop, and faculty/staff assemblies. Collins' unique connection to SPH, rooted in the tragic loss of her son Richard, underscores her profound dedication to the school's responsibility in addressing hate and racism.
Dr. Alice Horowitz, PhD '92
Research Professor Emerita
Department of Behavioral and Community Health
UMD School of Public Health
Dr. Alice Horowitz is a Research Professor Emerita in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health at UMD. Formerly a senior scientist at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Health in the National Institutes of Health, her research focus has been on dental caries (tooth decay) prevention and early detection and prevention of oral cancers. Horowitz was instrumental in initiating the need to address health literacy in dentistry. She has received several awards and has published numerous research findings. Horowitz received her M.A. in education from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. ‘92 in health education from UMD.
Horowitz has left an indelible mark on SPH, notably through her pivotal role in establishing the Herschel S. Horowitz Center for Health Literacy and the Endowed Chair in Health Literacy. This commitment to advancing health literacy and education extends beyond her academic tenure. Horowitz's groundbreaking research in oral health literacy, disease prevention, and maternal and child health has significantly contributed to the scholarly foundation of oral health literacy studies. As a dedicated donor, her ongoing support actively bolsters graduate students and their research, embodying her dedication to education for all. Horowitz's engagement with SPH is deeply rooted in her commitment to education, mentorship, and advocacy for clear communication in healthcare. She is also passionate about the future of our environment and is now challenging SPH to consider how to blaze new pathways in blending the topics of health literacy and environmental health
Dr. Robin Mockenhaupt, PhD '99
Managing Member
Robin Mockenhaupt Consulting, LLC
Dr. Robin Mockenhaupt has made significant contributions to the field of public health throughout her career. Today, she is a part-time consultant in philanthropy and nonprofit management. This follows a remarkable career that included over two decades at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in roles involving organizational management, policy, strategic relationships, and program management. Upon her retirement, RWJF honored her with a generous grant to UMD SPH, supporting innovative efforts in the Office of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement. Prior to RWJF, Mockenhaupt worked at AARP in Washington, D.C., specializing in health and aging. Mockenhaupt holds both a Ph.D. in health education and a graduate certificate in gerontology from the University of Maryland, a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University, and an MBA and B.S. in Biology from Pennsylvania State University
Mockenhaupt's career in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership aligns seamlessly with the university's values and SPH's mission to promote public health. She regularly advises faculty and staff about news throughout the health philanthropy field, recommending strategies for SPH's involvement and making connections where appropriate. Mockenhaupt served on the SPH Dean's Council from 2018-2024, including a two-year term as Chair. She was the inspiration that led the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to establish the Office of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement, including endowed fellowships and awards in her name. This gesture highlights Mockenhaupt's dedication to nurturing the academic pursuits of students and faculty in the field.