Michal Plavsa, PhD, is a dedicated public health professional with a passion for education, health literacy, and community impact. She has been part of Ohio University’s Health Sciences and Professions team since 2016, bringing extensive experience in public service across city and county government as well as higher education.
Michal holds multiple degrees, including an Associate of Arts from The Ohio State University, a bachelor’s degree in human and Consumer Sciences, a master’s degree in education, and a doctorate in the Individual Interdisciplinary Program at Ohio University, where her research focused on community health workers (CHWs) and health literacy. She also holds a Professional Instructional Design Certificate and has completed intensive training as a Health Literacy Specialist.
As the Director of Professional Programs and Partnerships for the OHIO Alliance for Population Health, Michal develops and oversees educational initiatives, professional development programs, and an online learning management system for continuing education. Her work includes curriculum development, outreach, grant writing, budget analysis, and instructional design, with a strong emphasis on population health initiatives.
A certified CHW and adjunct faculty member, Michal teaches and actively contributes to university leadership, having served on Administrative Senate and the Outstanding Administrator Award Committee. Her research and publications explore health literacy, the role of CHWs in their communities, and the intersection of health literacy and public policy.
Michal has authored and co-authored publications in international journals and has presented her work at statewide, national, and international conferences, sharing her expertise in health literacy, CHW training, and population health strategies. She is deeply committed to fostering collaborative partnerships, developing impactful educational programs, and advancing public health initiatives through continuing education, professional development, and strategic conference programming.