Alumnus Turns Communications Experience into Public Health Impact
Public health isn’t confined to the clinical setting. It happens all throughout our communities every day, from the restaurants where you eat to public parks. Jonathon Fauvie saw that firsthand while working in healthcare communications, which led him to pursue public health at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University.
At the time, Fauvie was working full time and looking to grow his career in administrative healthcare. Á½ÐÔÉ«Îçҹ’s executive level public health program gave him that opportunity, connecting him with professionals who shared similar experiences and a passion for improving community health. Though he didn’t come from a clinical background, he found that his skills in storytelling and communication brought a valuable perspective to the public health field.
Today, Fauvie works at Medical Mutual, where he develops programs with nonprofit partners that address social drivers of health like food insecurity, education and economic stability. His work focuses on expanding healthcare beyond traditional settings and into the communities it serves.
A proud Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ alumnus, Fauvie credits his education, as well as the mentors who supported him, for helping him along his path. He continues to use his voice to highlight the impact of public health and the importance of connection in building healthier communities. Get to know Jonathon in his own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
JF: I’m happiest when my purpose clicks—using storytelling to lift overlooked voices, create real connection and be part of something bigger than myself.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
JF: Originality.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
JF: The part of me that’s too hard on itself and sees anything less than purpose as falling short.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
JF: My grandparents, some still with me, others now carried only in memory, remain constant forces in who I am; the lessons they taught, the unwavering support they offered and the wisdom born of their own lived experiences continue to guide me as enduring motivators.
KSU: What is your favorite Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ memory?
JF: Classroom potlucks! Throughout my graduate program, each of us would take a turn bringing dinner for the class because we each worked all day and then went straight to class. So many new dishes, flavors and cultural moments were experienced each week simply by breaking bread during class.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
JF: Recently, I had the opportunity to explore Morocco with some of my closest friends. Few trips I've taken have felt as enriching and inspiring.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
JF: Binge watching reality television while devouring a pint of Mitchell's Ice Cream.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
JF: My relationships - both personally and professionally - have been my greatest achievement to date.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
JF: My grandfather. In the years since his passing, as I’ve shared memories with my grandmother, I’ve come to understand how few men lived as fully and authentically as he did. I would give anything to step into his world firsthand, to witness the life he built and to better absorb the many lessons he instilled in me.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
JF: My background in a health system provided a solid foundation in the clinical world when I entered my public health program, but working alongside clinicians deepened that understanding. Their daily experiences broadened my perspective on health policy and taught me how to leverage my communications background to better tell its story. I continue to forge meaningful connections, helping people understand their influence on the overall health and well-being of our communities, economies and one another.