Richard A. Crosby

Dr. Richard A. Crosby is a distinguished public health professional with a profound expertise in HIV prevention, sexual health research, and public health education. As the Good Samaritan Endowed Professor at the College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Dr. Crosby has dedicated his career to understanding and combating sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly focusing on underserved populations and regions with elevated health disparities. His most notable contribution to the field is the development of a CDC-designated Evidence-Based Intervention known as Focus on the Future. This clinic-based program, which has been rigorously tested through efficacy trials, targets specific groups such as young Black males who have sex with males (MSM), those who have sex with females, and those engaging in sex with both genders. Dr. Crosby’s research efforts are not limited to HIV prevention. He has also made significant strides in understanding and measuring condom use behaviors, an area that led to his receiving the largest grant ever awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for evaluating condom efficacy against non-viral STIs. His innovative methodologies in this domain have contributed substantially to the global understanding of condom usage and its implications for sexual health. Additionally, his expertise extends to cancer prevention research, particularly in rural southeast Kentucky, where poverty and health disparities present formidable challenges. He directed cancer prevention programs through Prevention Research Centers, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he also served for three years early in his career. Furthermore, Dr. Crosby has conducted HPV-related research across various locations, including the Mississippi Delta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, demonstrating his commitment to addressing diverse public health challenges. With a successful track record of securing grants totaling approximately $20 million, he has used these funds to produce over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles, more than 60 book chapters, and nine textbooks used in public health schools across the country. His academic contributions are also reflected in his role as a mentor to graduate students, post-docs, and assistant professors, earning him multiple teaching awards over his distinguished career. Dr. Crosby’s leadership extends beyond research and teaching. As the Co-Director of the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention at Indiana University and Senior Director of the Rural Cancer Prevention Center at the University of Kentucky, he continues to develop programs aimed at improving public health outcomes in rural and underserved communities. His affiliation as a Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction and his adjunct professorship at The University of Mississippi Medical School further highlight his multidisciplinary expertise. Throughout his career, Dr. Crosby has demonstrated a remarkable ability to combine rigorous academic research with practical, community-based interventions. His work continues to shape public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations. With his extensive experience in behavioral science, academic mentoring, and evidence-based program development, Dr. Crosby remains a pivotal figure in public health research and education.