A Message from the Dean

Welcome to the VCU School of Public Health—our university’s 15th and newest academic school. The School unites four founding departments formerly housed in the School of Medicine and offers degree programs in biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, social and behavioral sciences, and healthcare policy.

As the incoming founding dean, I’m honored to join this exceptional community of award-winning faculty, committed staff, and passionate students. Together, we are advancing a bold vision to improve health in Virginia and beyond through research, education, and meaningful partnerships.

We are finalizing our inaugural strategic plan, grounded in our commitment to innovation, equity, and community impact—and inspired by VCU’s theme, “We Are the Uncommon.”

As part of VCU’s robust health sciences campus—including schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and health professions—and an academic health system with a teaching hospital, children’s hospital, NCI-designated cancer center, and clinical translational research center, we are uniquely positioned to reduce health disparities and advance public health solutions.

Our Master of Public Health program includes four concentrations: applied public health, health policy, epidemiology, and Virginia’s only program in cancer health equity science. And our downtown Richmond location—just steps from the Capitol—puts us at the heart of public health policymaking in the Commonwealth.

Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member, community partner, or supporter, I’m excited to welcome you. I look forward to working together to shape a healthier future for all—unequaled and uncommonly bold.

Sincerely,

Monica Swahn, Ph.D.
Dean, VCU School of Public Health