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From the President's Desk - Wayne State University

Dear colleagues,  

I’m pleased to share some important updates and engagement opportunities related to Wayne State University’s exploration of a new school dedicated to advancing urban public health. Establishing a new school is an ambitious, multiyear process. I am grateful that leaders from across campus — including nearly 100 faculty, staff, leaders and community partners — continue to invest the time and expertise needed to realize this vision in creating a new school. 

The School of Public Health Executive Committee and its 10 working groups have completed significant foundational work on this initiative throughout the last year. Some highlights are below:  

  • The Curriculum Working Group has developed a proposal for an expanded master of public health (MPH) degree with three specializations: population health analytics, community health and environmental health, as well as three potential new Ph.D. programs. The review and approval of any curricula will follow the university’s shared governance process.   

  • The Student Services Configuration/Space Working Group has presented a preliminary space recommendation that supports the unique needs of our students, faculty and staff. To advance these recommendations, we are evaluating how to renovate Schaver Music Building facility to serve as the school’s primary location, with some offices and classrooms to be located in nearby buildings. 

  • With the assistance of our lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., Lewis-Burke, Wayne State was awarded $1 million for a congressionally directed project to support the shared computing infrastructure to advance the school of public health and a well-trained public health workforce. Efforts are underway to secure additional funding for the school from a variety of sources and potential partners. 

The latest details on this initiative — including an updated timeline, FAQ document and details about the subcommittees — are available on a dedicated website linked to WSU’s Prosperity Agenda. The site will be updated as new information becomes available.  

With Senior Vice President for Health Affairs Dr. Bernard Costello having joined the WSU executive team in January, he is actively spearheading this effort and engaging enthusiastically with the committee and working groups, as well as internal and external stakeholders. Your feedback and questions are vital to helping launch this school. We invite you to share questions and input using this form. He will host informational and listening sessions on campus later this year. 

Thank you for your continued support, input and enthusiasm for this important project. Thanks also to the faculty and staff members who have contributed to our progress so far. Together, we are moving Wayne State University forward to enhance our tremendous impact as a leader in urban health to benefit our community and state. I look forward to the positive impact that this effort will have on our students and our university. 

Sincerely,  

Kimberly Andrews Espy signature

Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy 
President