The (COPH) community gathered on Sept. 26 for the 鈥斺�檚 first since joining the college. Speaking to faculty, staff, students and alumni, Vermund reflected on the college鈥檚 accomplishments, recognized outstanding contributors and outlined strategic priorities for the year ahead.
This year鈥檚 address, themed People, Passion, Potential, celebrated the COPH community as the foundation and driving force behind the college鈥檚 continued success.
Vermund began by recognizing the more than 540 鈥淐OPH Bulls鈥� who make up the college this fall, including 100 faculty members, 206 staff, 191 student employees and 43 adjunct instructors.
He also took time to honor long-serving faculty and staff members for their dedication and impact, including retirees Dr. Skai Schwartz, Dr. Donna Haiduven, Kay White, and Ellen Kent.
The presentation highlighted major achievements across teaching, research and service.
Faculty were recognized for national and international honors, such as receiving the American College of Epidemiology鈥檚 (ACE) Early Career Epidemiologist Award, s Excellence in Climate Leadership Award from APHA and 鈥檚 Outstanding Mentorship Award from ACE. Student and alumni successes were also featured, including national research awards and recognition from professional organizations.
Among the college鈥檚 accomplishments, Vermund noted the COPH鈥檚 continued growth in academic excellence, with over 81,000 student credit hours taught last year and a 96 percent CPH pass rate. Undergraduate programs expanded with a new concentration in , and new degrees in and , while faculty launched new initiatives to enhance research engagement and student support.
In research, the COPH secured $30.8 million in awards, with students playing an increasingly active role in scholarly work鈥�32 received SHARP awards and 62 participated in 无码专区 Health Research Day. Strategic investment awards this year supported innovative projects in health policy, disaster response, maternal health and data analysis.
Vermund also acknowledged both challenges and opportunities within the college鈥檚 $72.3 million budget, emphasizing steady undergraduate growth and renewed focus on grant acquisition to offset funding losses. 鈥淥ur potential is fueled by grit, ingenuity and passion,鈥� he said, underscoring a commitment to accountability, collaboration and growth.
Looking forward, Vermund outlined several key goals: strengthening identity and direction through faculty input, preparing for the upcoming CEPH reaccreditation visit in June 2026, fostering team science and research infrastructure, increasing recognition for faculty and staff and expanding philanthropic outreach. He also announced plans to launch a COPH Public Health Forum series to encourage evidence-based discussion on pressing health topics, with the first scheduled for Nov. 13 on the fluoridation of drinking water.
The address concluded with an invitation for the community to share feedback for the inaugural COPH magazine, which will highlight the college鈥檚 accomplishments and vision for the future.
鈥淭his college thrives because of its people鈥攖heir passion for discovery, their commitment to service and their belief in the power of public health to improve lives,鈥� Vermund said.