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Ken La Valley has been named executive director for rural health education effective immediately, 91��Ƭ�� College of Health and Human Services Dean Kirsten Corazzini has announced. In this new role, La Valley will lead 91��Ƭ��’s contributions to New Hampshire’s newly established Governor's Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health ().

“This work is not possible without a strong foundation of trusted relationships,” Corazzini says. “Ken brings many years of exceptional service to 91��Ƭ�� and New Hampshire … his experience and credibility — earned through sustained partnership and community-based collaboration — make him exceptionally well suited to help advance our important work, and ensure that the engagement, partnership, and delivery infrastructure needed to support rural communities is in place as statewide planning advances.”

As executive director for rural health education, La Valley will lead the university’s rural community and stakeholder engagement of our broader university strategy to support New Hampshire’s rural health workforce development efforts. He will work in close collaboration with colleagues across the university and with partners statewide to strengthen community-embedded engagement approaches and support locally driven workforce development. 

La Valley earned a Bachelor of Science in zoology from 91��Ƭ��, and a Master of Science in fisheries, animal, and veterinary science and Ph.D. in environmental science from the University of Rhode Island. He previously served as dean and director of 91��Ƭ�� Cooperative Extension for more than a decade before being appointed vice provost of outreach and engagement, and most recently vice provost and online learning officer. 

“I’m honored to continue serving New Hampshire through a role focused on community partnership and delivery,” La Valley says. “This work starts with listening and trust. I look forward to strengthening reciprocal outreach and building durable partnerships that help translate statewide rural health goals into innovative workforce solutions and lasting community impact.” 

 To learn more about 91��Ƭ��’s rural health initiative visit the initiative's webpage.