Kristen Mark, PhD, MPH, Announced as New Director of the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health

Following an international search, Professor Kristen Mark, PhD, MPH, has been named the new director of the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health (ISGH) in the University of Minnesota Medical School's Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. On June 15, Dr. Mark steps into the role to lead this vital Institute in its critical work to further the mission of the Department, Medical School and beyond.

Dr. Mark has served as Joycelyn Elders Endowed Chair, professor and director of education at ISGH for the past five and a half years, during which time she has significantly expanded the reach and depth of the education program. Through her leadership, the Institute has grown to offer two master's degrees and four graduate certificates in Advanced Sexual Health Education, Sex Therapy, Transgender and Gender Diverse Health, and Human Sexuality.

Additionally, she manages a large research program focused on sexual health, pleasure and well-being across the lifespan and training healthcare professionals to address sexual and reproductive health on a global scale, while also publishing and presenting extensively. Dr. Mark brings a deep commitment to advancing sexual and gender health in all aspects of her work – as a researcher, educator, clinician and advocate.

Dr. Mark has a strong history of leadership, serving the field internationally as scientific chair on the Executive Committee at the World Association for Sexual Health and serving the Department through co-chairing the DFMCH Tenure and Promotion Committee, among many other leadership positions nationally and locally.

In addition to her significant contributions within and beyond the University, Dr. Mark is also deeply familiar with the ISGH director role and the inner workings of the Institute, having recently served as interim co-director alongside Dr. Ryan Rahm-Knigge and Dr. Steven John. Together the co-directors brought strong, collaborative leadership at a critical time for the Institute.

"It is an absolute honor to be named the new director of ISGH and to have the opportunity to lead our team of incredibly talented people through such a pivotal time,” says Dr. Mark. “My vision for ISGH builds on our rich 56-year history with the UMN Medical School as a local, national and global leader across sexual and gender health education, research, advocacy and clinical care. By leaning into our innovation, creativity and passion for this work, I am committed to ensuring our voices are leading the global conversation and truly shaping a future where sexual and gender health is protected and accessible to all."

"The Medical School is delighted that Dr. Kristen Mark, an internationally recognized sexual scientist and dedicated advocate for inclusive sexual health education, is continuing her impactful leadership at the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health," shares University of Minnesota Medical School Interim Dean Carol Bradford.

Dr. Mark’s vision and directorship will build on a remarkable legacy of ISGH being on the leading edge in all areas of sexuality and gender health, advancing discoveries and education, and providing unsurpassed care to countless patients.