Dr. Ariane Hollub Secrest

Ariane Hollub Secrest is the Founding Director of the UMHB Public Health Program and an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Professions. Dr. Secrest is originally from the small town of Weimar, Texas. Following high school, she attended Texas Woman’s University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2001. She went on to receive a Master of Education in Health Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 2003. After practicing occupational therapy full-time for a few years, she returned to graduate school to pursue her Doctor of Philosophy degree. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Health Behavior and a minor in Educational Research Methods from Indiana University-Bloomington in 2009. Dr. Secrest went on to serve as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Kinesiology at Texas A&M University-College Station from 2009 to 2011, then returned to health care where she practiced as a supervising occupational therapist and research biostatistician for several years. She is also a certified health education specialist (CHES). Dr. Secrest is a member of the American Public Health Association, Texas Public Health Association, and the Texas chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (TACSM). She enjoys engaging in service opportunities as the Associate Executive Director of TACSM, a Past President of the Temple Founder Lions Club, and board member for Our Lady of the Angels Maternity Shelter. Dr. Secrest is also a member of Altrusa International - Temple. She and her husband reside in Temple where they are members of the First Methodist Church.