Becky Dawson ‘00 PhD, MPH an epidemiologist and associate professor of Biology and Global Health Studies at Allegheny College, has been recognized by City & State PA with a 2025 Above & Beyond: Women award for her commitment to preventive healthcare in Pennsylvania. The award was presented at a gala celebration at Cescaphe Ballroom in Philadelphia.
City & State’s fourth annual Above & Beyond: Women awards highlight 50 remarkable individuals in the Commonwealth who exhibit exemplary leadership in their fields and have made important contributions to society whose accomplishments merit recognition.
The awards committee cited Dr. Dawson’s dedication to educating and her drive to ascertain what causes a disease to occur and how to prevent people from getting sick. Her research shows that when communities invest in public health, measurable improvements can be seen.
Her colleagues in global health are very grateful for her tireless efforts to engage with the community about public health issues, combat health misinformation, and speak truth to power.” Said a department representative, “It’s an honor to work with her.
Under her leadership last year, Dr. Dawson’s team of student researchers from Allegheny College conducted the most comprehensive study to measure and compare health outcomes at the county level in Pennsylvania. Those counties without a local health department had poorer health outcomes compared to those that did.
Despite substantiation that local health departments improve community health, Dr. Dawson found 54 percent of Pennsylvanians do not have access to or the services they provide – a condition she is advocating to correct. The study has been highly referenced by experts in the field and has led to a national research project, where Dr. Dawson and her students are investigating the impacts of both local health departments and state public health legislation on community health outcomes.
“Becky Dawson believes that ‘all public health is local’ as she works to create healthy communities and educate and inspire the next generation of public health professionals,” said Allegheny College President Ron Cole. “She boldly exemplifies our liberal arts mission, and my colleagues and I congratulate her warmly on this well-deserved honor.”
