Associated Press - June 29, 2009 5:24 AM ET

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A member of the faculty of Xavier University's College of Pharmacy has been named editor-in-chief of a peer-reviewed journal called Health Promotion Practice.

Dr. Leonard Jack Jr. begins a six-month transition period as head of the journal's editorial board this month, with his 5-year term officially beginning in January. He has more than 20 years of public health research and practice experience.

At Xavier, Jack's responsibilities include directing the university's Center for Minority Health, Health Disparities, Research and Education.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.