The 2022 John B. Waller, Jr. DrPH and Menthele (Mikki) Waller Endowed Scholarship for Master of Public Health (MPH) students was presented to Monyca Johnson at the Wayne State University (WSU),  School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine & Public Health Sciences (DFMPHS)  at the May 5^th Graduate Celebration. 

The Award is designed to provide scholarship funds to students, and carry on the tradition of the Dr. Waller legacy of public health commitment.  Dr. Waller was a man of compassion and sincere goodwill who served as a public health professional and academic scholar for more than 40 years.  He was well known in public health circles locally and nationally. In addition to being a Vice President with the American Public Health Association, he was Public Health Director for the City of Detroit Department of Health, Chair of the Wayne State University Department of Community Medicine, and Senior Vice President for Urban and Community Health for the Detroit Medical Center.  Dr. Waller was a dedicated public health leader who had tremendous influence in shaping public health policy and establishment of community health systems in Detroit.  Ms. Johnson received the Award because of her scholarship achievement and dedication to the practice of public health. 

Mrs. Mikki Waller comments:

“Recognition of the importance of public health in Detroit and the WSU School of Medicine has perhaps never been greater.  The tradition for the Endowed Scholarship is to mentor and champion exemplary students in the Department of Family Medicine & Public Health Sciences.  I want to congratulate Monyca on her accomplishments and wish her continued success in service to our Great Detroit communities. Hopefully, we will have the pleasure of meeting someday.”

Monyca graduated from Eastern Michigan University with Honors in Health Administration, and plans to graduate from WSU with her MPH in the Fall of 2022.  Dr. Julie Gleason-Comstock presented the Award, noting:  

“As a student in the WSU MPH program, Monyca impressed faculty and students with her academic achievement and work in public health.  She continues to work full-time as a Community Engagement Representative with Development Centers.  We are proud of her accomplishments, including the 2022 publication in the Journal of Frailty and Aging which addressed hospitalization challenges and medication access.” 

The Dr. Waller Endowed Scholarship Award is presented annually to an MPH student.