Libby Richards

About Libby Richards

Dr. Richards’ research efforts focus on understanding and intervening on the individual and interpersonal influences on physical activity behavior. She has conducted health promotion interventions that positively impact community health by improving physical activity across populations. Her current interventions include a statewide email-based walking campaign that has reached over adults. Dr. Richards’ research also involves examination of dyadic relationships in physical activity promotion. In addition, she serves in several leadership positions in the field of public health, past chair of the American Public Health Association’s Physical Activity Section, and on the Action Board of the American Public Health Association. She is currently a senior research mentor in the American Academy of Health Behavior. Libby also serves on the advisory board for the International Journal of Health Promotion and Education. Dr. Richards’ is a faculty associate for Purdue’s Center for Aging and the Life Course. In addition, she is a faculty partner for Purdue’s Center for Families. She actively mentors students interested in population health and public health nursing. She currently teaches Population Health.As a public health nurse, Dr. Richards widely disseminates health education about the importance of health promotion behaviors such as vaccinations and physical activity. She has reached audiences through print sources such as CNN, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Readers’ Digest. Her online presence has wide public reach with articles The Conversation reaching nearly two million readers.

Experience

1. Interim Head

   Purdue Nursing

   Aug 2025 — Present

Education

• Purdue University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  2006 — 2012

• Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis

  MSN

  2003 — 2006

• University of Saint Francis

  BSN

  1999 — 2003