Raphael Florestal-Kevelier, PhD, MPH

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Raphael Florestal-Kevelier, PhD, MPH

Raphael D. Florestal-Kevelier, PhD, MPH, is a higher education and public health leader committed to helping campuses become places where students can truly thrive. He currently serves as interim chief executive officer of the American College Health Association, where he partners with the Board of Directors, staff, and members to advance a shared vision for student health, well-being, and institutional impact.

Prior to this role, Raphael served as associate vice chancellor for student health and campus well-being at the University of Illinois Chicago, leading an integrated portfolio spanning counseling, health promotion, public health, and recreation. Across his career—shaped by leadership at large public universities, private research institutions, and liberal arts colleges—his work has focused on expanding access to care, strengthening public health infrastructure, and advancing well-being and belonging as foundational values of higher education.

A longtime ACHA leader whose service has spanned section leadership, board governance, and the presidency, Raphael brings a collaborative, participatory approach that centers people, relationships, and shared responsibility. His scholarship and practice sit at the intersection of health equity, student development, and systems change, grounded in the belief that when well-being
and belonging are prioritized, student success becomes possible.