Evelinn Borrayo, professor of psychology in the College of Natural Sciences, has been appointed by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to a three-year term on the State Board of Health.

Borrayo is director of training of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program in CSU’s Department of Psychology, and is also a professor in Community and Behavioral Health at the Colorado School of Public Health.

The only academic currently serving on the State Board of Health, Borrayo will represent District 2 as one of nine voting members. The State Board of Health promulgates rules related to Colorado public health; approves funding for public health grant programs; appoints members to specific department committees; and advises the executive director.

She calls the appointment “the most meaningful public service” she could ever perform. It will allow her to consider issues affecting the health of Coloradoans, and to exercise a vote to improve the health of all citizens.

She will add a three-fold voice to the board: that of a professional trained in a mental health field (psychology); as an academic in higher education; and as an ethnic minority woman of Latino descent.

“I believe that through my professional training, I can provide knowledge, skills and experience related to the mental health needs of the people of Colorado. Moreover, through my affiliation with the Colorado School of Public Health, I am in the position to contribute added knowledge and skills related to public health matters that affect all citizens of Colorado. As part of my commitment to improve health inequities, I have developed expertise in best practices related to improving the pipeline of underrepresented providers in the healthcare professions, including mental health providers.”

Finally, Borrayo is a mother, wife and immigrant who is “proud to be a United States citizen and fortunate to live in the State of Colorado.”