This award is presented annually to a student in the LCOM Public Health program who has maintained an overall GPA greater than 3.5, has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and shown a commitment to the field of public health. Nominations are made by faculty members and reviewed at a program faculty meeting.

The 2025 Academic Excellence Award is given to Kylie Williams. Kylie completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of New England where she studied Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies. No stranger to hard work, Kylie jumped right into the health field, working to support nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic, and then as a senior behavior technician for children on the Autism spectrum all while diligently studying towards her Master of Public Health at the University of Vermont. As the project manager for her Capstone Project group, Kylie was instrumental in helping to shape the focus of the research into adolescent dating behaviors. 

When Kylie is not working in the field or studying towards her degree, she can be found volunteering at the Red Cross or at her local school as a Girls on the Run coordinator! Now that she has completed her degree, she hopes to put her degree to good use in a state public health position. 

Dr. Langdon Lawrence is an Assistant Professor and part-time instructor with the public health program, yet he is so much more than his title reflects. Dr. Lawrence specializes in public health courses related to climate change and global health and his course are amongst the most popular in the program. Every student can expect a wonderful, attentive teaching experience and a truly knowledgeable mentor. As a colleague, he provides valuable insight and offers his time willingly to many program endeavors. The program is luck to consider him a valued colleague and friend.