Celeste Watkins-Hayes, the Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, has been invited to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). This prestigious appointment recognizes Dean Watkins-Hayes’s dedication to HIV/AIDS research and policy, as well as her long-standing commitment to health equity.
PACHA operates with the support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and plays a vital role in shaping national policy by providing strategic guidance on the prevention, treatment, and eradication of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Its work is crucial to advancing initiatives that aim to end the HIV epidemic by influencing how health services are designed, funded, and delivered.
"I am deeply honored to join PACHA and contribute to shaping national HIV/AIDS policy," said Watkins-Hayes. "For decades, across multiple presidential administrations, PACHA has been a steadfast voice in addressing HIV and the complex dynamics that drive the epidemic. As a sociologist and public policy scholar, I look forward to working with the incoming administration and applying my expertise to advance impactful strategies that bring us closer to ending the HIV epidemic."
An internationally recognized expert, Watkins-Hayes has made significant contributions to the understanding of HIV/AIDS and its intersection with inequality and public policy. Her acclaimed book, Remaking a Life: How Women Living with HIV/AIDS Confront Inequality, won the American Sociological Association Distinguished Book Award, among other honors, for its profound insights into the challenges and resilience of those living with HIV/AIDS. Watkins-Hayes's extensive research and public engagement have positioned her as a leading voice on social inequality and the societal safety nets affecting communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. She is frequently quoted as a national expert in major media outlets and has published widely on these critical issues.
The Ford School looks forward to the perspectives she will bring to PACHA during this critical time. Her work continues to set a standard for excellence in public policy that aligns with the values and mission of the Ford School.
For more information about PACHA, please visit their webpage here.
