Dear Colleagues,

As the year draws to a close, I am delighted to share some highlights and updates from our department. I am thrilled to announce that our Master of Public Health (MPH) program recently underwent a successful site visit from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), our accreditation body. While the final decision is expected next spring, the exit review was highly positive and reflects the collective hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and external and internal advisors. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our school and university leaders for their steadfast support in ensuring the program’s success both now and into the future.

Additionally, I am excited to welcome Dr. Deborah Ellis as our new Associate Chair for Research. Dr. Ellis brings exceptional expertise and a strong commitment to advancing our research programs. Her leadership will be instrumental as we develop strategic initiatives and expand our research portfolio to new heights. We are also pleased to announce Dr. Samuele Zilioli’s appointment as Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Zilioli’s extensive research experience and dedication to the division make him well-suited to guide the team during this transition and ensure continued success.

Looking ahead, I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for our annual Department Research Day on April 17^th, where we will showcase the innovative work happening across our department. This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our collective accomplishments and foster new collaborations.

Finally, as we approach the holiday season, I wish each of you a joyful and restful time with your loved ones. Thank you for your ongoing contributions and dedication to our mission. Together, we have achieved remarkable things, and I look forward to what we will accomplish in the coming year.

Warmest regards,
Jinping Xu, MD, MS, FAAFP
Professor and Chair, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences