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For Dr. Garvita Thareja, supporting student success isn’t just part of the job—it’s the heart of her work. As an Associate Professor and Public Health Program Coordinator at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Garvita brings deep dedication to helping non-traditional undergraduate and graduate students succeed in the classroom and beyond. Whether she’s leading CHES® prep workshops, designing flexible course delivery models, or mentoring research projects, her mission is clear: make public health education accessible, equitable, and professionally rewarding.

“My students are often working adults, parents, and first-generation college-goers balancing multiple responsibilities,” she explains. “We offer in-person, asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid course formats to ensure they can choose what works best for their lives. And I go a step further—offering one-on-one Zoom sessions, connecting them with career advising, and even helping them navigate certification funding resources.”

A Career Fueled by Experience and Adaptability

Garvita’s journey into public health began with her background in physical therapy and advanced through graduate degrees in Health Administration and Public Health. Before relocating to Denver, she lived and worked in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was deeply engaged in public health education and research. There, she collaborated with the Tennessee Public Health Association, local public health agencies, and led projects focused on food insecurity, maternal health, community health needs assessments, and population health data analysis. “I’ve always been passionate about using data to inform community health solutions,” she says.

Her move to Colorado in 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter—both personally and professionally. “Relocating from Tennessee to Colorado just after the pandemic came with its challenges, but it also gave me the opportunity to help shape a new undergraduate public health program from the ground up,” she shares. “It was incredibly rewarding to bring my past experiences into a space where innovation and student-centered learning are valued.”

During a job search in 2019, Garvita encountered a critical barrier: lack of CHES® certification. “I had years of experience and graduate education, but I kept seeing that CHES® was listed as ‘preferred’ or even ‘required’ on job postings. That was a real eye-opener for me.”

Building CHES® Readiness Into the Curriculum

Since becoming certified herself, Garvita has made it a priority to prepare her students to earn—and maintain—the CHES® credential. She developed a dedicated CHES® prep course that goes beyond test review. “I created flashcards, quizzes, study guides, and even internal study groups that include alumni who already passed the exam,” she shares. “And I don’t stop there—I also walk my students through how to maintain certification, the difference between Category I and II credits, and how to find free continuing education options.”

The results speak volumes: her first CHES® prep cohort achieved a 100% pass rate. This course is offered annually, and the next cohort will be held in summer 2025. She is excited for the new summer students to make their dream come true for the fall 2025 exam cycle.

Garvita’s efforts also extend to launching two certificate programs at MSU Denver—Community Health Worker and Community Health Educator. “Some of my students can’t afford to pursue a full degree right away, but these programs give them a pathway to enter the field and continue their education over time,” she explains.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

In Garvita’s courses, students are not only encouraged—but empowered—to connect their academic work to meaningful service in the community. As part of a structured assignment, students identify a nonprofit aligned with their public health values, volunteer their time, and reflect on the experience through personal and academic lenses. “They might not always find a perfect match, and that’s okay,” she says. “The goal is exposure—getting to see how these organizations operate, what issues they address, and how students might contribute to public health solutions in the future.”

Students also develop a research-based abstract related to their volunteer experience. These abstracts are submitted to the university’s undergraduate research symposium and often to state or national public health conferences—with many students presenting for the first time. “It gives them a platform beyond the classroom, something tangible to include on their résumé or CV,” Garvita adds. She also secures university funding to support student travel and conference fees.

From Data to Impact: A Passion for Public Health Research

In addition to her teaching and program development, Garvita has a strong research background with a focus on data-driven public health solutions. “I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and uncovering patterns through data,” she says. With a doctorate in kinesmetrics and advanced training in statistics, she frequently collaborates with public health organizations to support data analysis needs—ranging from cardiac health studies to maternal health and food insecurity research.

Currently, she mentors more than ten graduate thesis students across diverse topics. So far, Garvita has mentored or chaired over 100 students on thesis or research projects. “One of my recent collaborations involved supporting a nursing research team with data analysis on cardiac health outcomes—they met me at a conference and later reached out for guidance,” she recalls.

Student-Nominated and Award-Winning Educator

Garvita’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed—she has been awarded MSU Denver’s Faculty Catalyst Award twice, receiving the honor in back-to-back years. The nominations came directly from her students—without her knowledge. “I didn’t even know I’d been nominated,” she says. “It means so much to know that I made an impact strong enough for students to take that extra step.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For those considering CHES® certification or beginning their careers in health education, Garvita offers this advice:

“Leaders don’t do different things—they do things differently.”