Dean’s message 2024
Another exceptional year at PHHP
From the Dean
Beth A. Virnig, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Dr. Beth Virnig, Dean, PHHP
In this issue of Impact we bring you a range of articles that describe innovative ways we promote our four missions — education, research, clinical care and service — and how our efforts take advantage of their synergy. As an example, the Brooks-PHHP Research Collaboration is a unique partnership with Jacksonville-based Brooks Rehabilitation where our College of Public Health and Health Professions faculty and trainees work alongside Brooks clinicians to conduct research that advances rehabilitation science with real results for patients.
Our commitment to our four-part mission is interwoven throughout all our efforts, creating a comprehensive and impactful intellectual environment. As educators, we equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to solve tomorrow’s health problems. Our research initiatives inform practice and provide exceptional opportunities for students to participate in research and learn from the people creating the science. Our clinical endeavors bridge theory and practice, providing hands-on experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges. Service activities put us out in the community to serve the public and gain a better understanding of the greatest needs. Combined, our missions provide opportunities that allow our synergistic activities to advance individual growth and contribute to better health for individuals and communities.
That spirit of collaboration is infused throughout the College of Public Health and Health Professions. We house a rich diversity of disciplines and expertise, yet we are bound together by a shared commitment to the prevention continuum. Whether that is preventing health problems before they occur, detecting problems early to begin intervention, or reducing the severity of disease, our faculty, students, staff and alumni are improving health at all levels of the prevention model.
Building on this strong foundation, it’s been an incredible year at the college. I’m pleased to share these highlights:
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Over the past academic year, we have hired more than 20 new faculty members. They span a wide range of knowledge and expertise in areas such as cognitive training for older adults; health disparities in cancer and diabetes; genomic causes of disease; infectious disease transmission; language acquisition and reading; machine learning; molecular mechanisms of aging related disorders; speech, swallowing and cough disorders; vestibular disorders; and women’s health. They contribute to our students’ education at the undergraduate and graduate levels and provide important service across our campus, community and nationally.
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Teaching excellence was demonstrated by the 66 faculty members who received course evaluation scores of 4.8 or higher on a 5.0 scale for fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters. These scores are a testament to the exceptional student-centered education our faculty offer. Providing meaningful and engaging educational content is not easy, particularly with the complex subject matter of our courses.
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We launched PHHP Days, a two-day celebration of the college featuring poster and oral presentations that showcase the outstanding work of our undergraduate, graduate students and faculty.
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We rank in the Top 10 in National Institutes of Health funding to schools of public health at public universities, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
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The Occupational Therapy Equal Access Clinic celebrated its 10th anniversary. When it launched, it was the first student-run clinic offering free occupational therapy services in the state. Our students also lead clinics under faculty supervision providing no-cost physical therapy and clinical psychology services for the community.
These are just a few of the achievements of our amazing faculty, students and staff in an incredibly productive year. You’ll read many more in these pages. I am so proud of our entire PHHP community and I look forward to another exceptional year. Thank you for all you do to contribute to this important work!
