When I applied for the dean position at the School of Public Health last year, I was struck by the school’s profound impact and unwavering commitment evident in previous Advances magazine stories.
The school’s long standing dedication to addressing society’s most pressing and complex public health challenges — racism, substance abuse, healthy aging, and climate change — resonated deeply with me. This work embodies the progressive, determined, and collaborative spirit that defines our community of staff, faculty, and students. It’s been a privilege to be part of such an inspiring institution.
New leaders are often asked what they’ll change to make their organization more successful. When it comes to our school, I’d like to first share what I wouldn’t change: the school’s true sense of community, its pride in its accomplishments and history, its commitment to antiracism, and its belief that we must keep looking to the future and the challenges it holds.
It’s early in my tenure and I am still in the mode of learning, meeting members of the community, and laying the foundation for success. In the coming year we will work together as a community on the larger vision and strategy for the school. For now, I can tell you what I want our school to be known as:
- The top-trusted source for public health information, evidence, policy, and actions for the University, the state, and the region.
- A school that shines as a research institution and is equally admired for its transformative approach to practice, learning, and the student experience.
- An institution where all of our policies, practices, and governance models are aligned with our mission, values, and commitment to advancing health equity.
- A diverse and collaborative community of scholars, practitioners, and learners who work together across silos and function as one school that is nimble, effective, data-driven, and positioned for impact.
- A school that serves all Minnesotans and is dedicated to moving the needle and improving the health of communities and all who live here
This year, we celebrate our 80th anniversary. You’ll read how our curriculum has adapted to meet the challenges of the times; why our nutrition work is among the best in the nation; and how we partner with communities to create culturally specific public health interventions. You’ll also learn what we are doing to keep drinking water safe from “forever chemicals,” how we are preparing for the next public health emergency, and a new approach to public health translation that embeds researchers in healthcare systems alongside clinicians.
We recently welcomed the new University of Minnesota President, Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, who will be tenured in the School of Public Health! And in October, Minneapolis will host the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. APHA has been supporting the nation’s public health community for 150 years, and the event provides an opportunity to strengthen our visibility and connections in the field and shine a national spotlight on our leadership and innovation in public health. What a wonderful way to celebrate our 80th year! Enjoy the latest issue of Advances.
Melinda Pettigrew
Dean
Mayo Chair
