Rebecca J. Cleveland, PhD, MPH, Named 60th President of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals

CHICAGO – The Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), a division of the American College of Rheumatology, is proud to announce Rebecca J. Cleveland, PhD, MPH, as its new President, effective October 28, 2025. Dr. Cleveland brings more than two decades of experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, and arthritis research to her leadership role, along with a deep commitment to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration in rheumatology.

Dr. Cleveland currently serves as Director of Biostatistical Operations at the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a member of UNC’s Thurston Arthritis Research Center. She was previously faculty in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, where she continues to collaborate on numerous studies focused on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus outcomes.

Her career has spanned academic research, public health, and international service, including work with the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, and the United States Peace Corps/UNICEF in Benin, West Africa. Dr. Cleveland’s research has focused on chronic disease epidemiology, with a particular emphasis on arthritis and health disparities.

“Dr. Cleveland’s leadership reflects the ARP’s mission to support all professionals in rheumatology through education, research, and advocacy,” said Dr. Adam Goode, ARP immediate past president. “Her interdisciplinary expertise and dedication to rheumatology make her an ideal leader for our community.”

Dr. Cleveland has been recognized with numerous honors, including the President’s Award from the ARP in 2021 and designation as a Top Performing Reviewer for Arthritis Care & Research from 2021 to 2024. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MPH from Tulane University, and a BS in Biology from Arkansas Tech University.

The Association of Rheumatology Professionals, which serves more than 1,700 members, equips rheumatology professionals with the tools needed to provide quality care for patients, support medical practices, and advance research and advocacy for rheumatology. Association members include nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physician associates, physical therapists, pharmacists, practice managers, researchers, social workers and other nonphysician professionals.

As ARP President, Dr. Cleveland will lead strategic initiatives to enhance professional development, foster research collaboration, and promote equitable care for patients with rheumatic diseases.

Media Contact
Teri Arnold
Director, Public Relations & Communications
tarnold@rheumatology.org
757-272-7002

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About the Association of Rheumatology Professionals
The Association of Rheumatology Professionals is a division of the American College of Rheumatology built by rheumatology professionals for rheumatology professionals. The association works to empower rheumatology professionals by providing education, advocacy and practice management tools.

About the American College of Rheumatology
Founded in 1934, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a not-for-profit, professional association committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology that serves over 10,000 physicians, health professionals, researchers and scientists worldwide. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatology professionals are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

About ACR Convergence
ACR Convergence, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, is where rheumatology meets to collaborate, celebrate, congregate, and learn. With hundreds of sessions and thousands of abstracts, it offers a superior combination of basic science, clinical science, business education and interactive discussions to improve patient care and advance the specialty. For more information about the meeting, visit the ACR Convergence page, or join the conversation on X by following the official hashtag (#ACR25).