Dear BUSPH Community,

I am writing to share several important updates regarding the reorganization of SPH’s central units, as well as leadership appointments and transitions. Together, these changes, which take effect July 1, 2026, are designed to better align our business operations with the academic and practice missions that define BUSPH, to strengthen the connection between strategy and execution across the school, and to position us for the next phase of growth and impact.

Promotions

I am pleased to announce two promotions within our senior leadership team.

Ira Lazic has been promoted to Senior Associate Dean of Finance, Administration and Business Operations. In addition to Budget and Finance, and Facilities and Human Resources, currently reporting to her, Partnerships, Engagement and Advancement (PEA) and Marketing and Communications will also report to her. This expanded portfolio brings our operational, advancement, and communications functions into closer alignment, allowing us to tell our story and steward our resources with greater coherence.

Michael McClean has been promoted to Senior Associate Dean of Research, Faculty and Strategic Initiatives. In addition to Research and Faculty Advancement currently reporting to him, all TTD Units (centers, programs, units), Postdoctoral Affairs and the SPH Data Hub will also report to Dean McClean. This consolidated structure strengthens the connective tissue between our faculty, our research enterprise, and the strategic priorities that will define the next chapter of BUSPH.

Please join me in congratulating Ira and Mike on these well-earned promotions.

Associate Dean Appointments

As noted in my prior announcements, I am also pleased to welcome two new interim Associate Deans whose leadership will strengthen our academic and practice missions.

Professor Chris Louis has been appointed Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. His portfolio will include Admissions, Online programs, the Registrar’s Office and all degree programs, and he will be closely involved in educational strategy development.

Professor Madeleine Scammell has been appointed Interim Associate Dean of Policy & Practice. Her portfolio will include the Career & Practicum Office, the Activist Lab, and a soon-to-be-implemented Lifelong Programs Office.

Please join me in welcoming Chris and Madeleine into these roles. Their leadership will be central to how we deliver on our promise to students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve.

Enhanced Portfolio: DEIJ & Wellness

Professor Yvette Cozier will continue with an enhanced portfolio as Associate Dean for DEIJ & Wellness, overseeing the Graduate Student Life, led by Mary Murphy-Phillips, now reporting to Dean Cozier, as well as the DEIJ Committee and related activities, alongside the Living Our Values and related BU initiatives.

I am grateful to Yvette for her continued leadership and to Mary for the care she brings to our graduate student community.

Career & Practicum Office Transition

Within the Career and Practicum Office, which will now sit within the Policy & Practice portfolio, we are also marking an important transition. Julia Lanham will depart from her role as Assistant Dean for the SPH Career and Practicum Office effective June 12, 2026. Julia has been a tireless champion for our students and for the practice community at BUSPH, and her contributions to career development, practicum placements, and student outcomes have shaped countless trajectories. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and her care.

Effective June 15, 2026, Caroline O’Shea will lead the Career and Practicum team as Senior Director for Career and Practicum. Caroline brings deep familiarity with our students, employer partners, and practicum sites, and I have every confidence she will build on the strong foundation Julia leaves behind. Please join me in congratulating Caroline and welcoming her into this new role.

With Gratitude to Our Departing Leaders

As part of these broader transitions, we also say thank you and farewell to two other colleagues whose service has shaped this school in lasting ways. Vanessa Edouard, who departs from her role as Assistant Dean of Faculty Advancement and Strategic Initiatives as of June 1, and Amanda Velez, who departs her role as Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs as of June 15. Julia, Amanda and Vanessa have each served BUSPH with dedication, vision, and an extraordinary commitment to our faculty and students. They leave behind contributions that are woven into the fabric of this school.

Their impact will continue to be felt by the students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners whose work and well-being they advanced. We are deeply grateful, and we wish each of them every success in what comes next.

Upcoming Celebrations

Please mark your calendars and join us at the following gatherings to recognize these transitions and honor our colleagues:

Transitions of this scale are made possible by the talent, generosity, and commitment of the entire BUSPH community. Thank you for the care you bring to your colleagues and to our shared mission. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming gatherings.

With gratitude,

Adnan Hyder

Dean, Boston University School of Public Health

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