Faculty + Staff Directory Dean's Executive Staff

Biography:
Barbara A. Rienzo, Ph.D., came to the Department of Health Education and Behavior in 1977. She served as graduate program coordinator for 18 years, beginning in 1978, and as interim department chair. Rienzo was named associate dean for faculty affairs in 2007.

Rienzo’s research has focused on interdisciplinary studies examining the nature and dynamics of incorporating health programs and services through schools, particularly to at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Her work has received support from a number of prominent national foundations, including grants from the Spencer Foundation and the Russell Sage Foundation. She has published a number of articles in prominent journals in health education, political science and related areas. Rienzo has co-authored three books and served as contributing author in a number of books published by scholarly presses, including the University of Chicago Press, University Press of Kansas, The Pennsylvania State University Press and Congressional Quarterly Press. In 1977, Rienzo was selected among the inaugural group of faculty to be named a UF Research Foundation Professor.

Rienzo has garnered a number of awards, including teacher of the year and recognition by the McKnight Foundation as Most Valuable Mentor. She is a Fellow in the American School Health Association.

Research Interests:

• • Political processes in incorporating health education and services in schools, particularly to disadvantaged youth
• • Human sexuality, emotional health and religiosity/spirituality of youth

Classes:
HSC 3133 Human Sexuality Education
HSC 3134 Emotional Health and Health Counseling
HSC 6575 Women’s Health Issues
HSC 5606 Spirituality and Health