Dear colleagues,

As discussed at School Assembly, we are honored to have been selected by Faculty as the SPH representatives to the Dean Search Advisory Committee. We look forward to representing the varied perspectives, disciplines, and needs of the SPH community as we identify our next Dean.

As a means of introducing ourselves,

  • Maria Glymour, Professor and Chair of the Epidemiology Department. As a department chair, I have seen how the leadership of the school makes a difference for staff, faculty, and students. I have also been on faculty at three universities, which gave me the chance to observe different leadership styles and organizational structures, and how these affected the day-to-day life of staff, trainees, and students as well as long-term institutional investments. My goal throughout the search would be to ensure we consider the needs across the school. I believe there is something special about the school as a whole about the way that staff, students, and faculty with varied areas of expertise, backgrounds, and identities are united by dedication to public health and health equity.
  • Madeleine Scammell, Associate Professor of Environmental Health. During my 24 years at BUSPH, I have been student, staff, and faculty and have engaged in all aspects of Think. Teach. Do. I have served on the BU Faculty Council, taught core and advanced courses, won three teaching awards, and mentored doctoral students. I have maintained a robust research portfolio and my current R01 is part of an NIH Consortium with five Central American countries and India. I co-lead a local public health workforce training program for Massachusetts. I have won the BUSPH Excellence in Public Health Practice award and the BUSPH Excellence in DEIJ award. I will bring all my experience globally and locally to the search committee, and most importantly, a vision for our future BUSPH as a workplace and learning environment where all members of our community can thrive.
  • Veronika Wirtz, Professor of Global Health. With over two decades of expertise in public health research, education, and practice, I bring a global perspective and dedication to fostering academic excellence and innovation. I have a deep understanding of the critical importance of training public health practitioners to address current and emerging public health challenges globally. With a long track record as a champion of student/staff engagement, I will listen thoughtfully to their visions for essential qualities of the next Dean. As a member of the search committee, I will collaborate with colleagues across the BU campus to gather input and will prioritize a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent approach that ensures consideration of the diverse needs of students, staff, and faculty.

We are eager to receive feedback from the community on our aspirations for the next Dean. Throughout the search, we encourage all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members to submit feedback via an anonymous feedback form: https://tinyurl.com/bddda9mh.

Faculty, staff, and students are also invited to attend a listening session over the coming weeks while we work on the job posting. Please see the SPH calendar for additional details.

  • Staff listening sessions:
    • October 28, 1 pm – 2 pm, in-person, Founder’s Room, Talbot 307 Center
    • November 1, 1 pm – 2 pm, online
  • Faculty listening sessions:
    • November 7, 1 pm – 2 pm, in-person, Crosstown 305
    • November 15, 1 pm – 2 pm, online
  • Student listening session:
    • November 4, 5 pm – 6 pm, in-person, , Founder’s Room, Talbot 307 Center
    • November 12, 5 pm – 6 pm, online

    The Provost’s Office will also be coordinating a listening session with the professional search firm facilitating the dean search process. Details will be communicated by the Provost’s Office.

    Although we were elected by the faculty, we sincerely hope to represent our school. We look forward to working with all of you over the coming months.

    Sincerely,

    Maria Glymour
    Madeleine Scammell
    Veronica Wirtz

    SPH Representatives to the Dean Search Advisory Committee

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