ASPPH is pleased to recognize several important leadership transitions across our member schools and programs as we celebrate the service of distinguished deans and welcome a new generation of academic public health leaders. We are grateful for the leaders whose contributions have strengthened our field and look forward to the innovation and collaboration that will shape its future.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Randy Wykoff, founding dean of the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, who is retiring after more than two decades of visionary leadership. As the longest-serving dean of a school or college of public health in the nation, Dr. Wykoff transformed the ETSU College of Public Health into a nationally recognized leader in education, research, and service. Under his leadership, the college became the first accredited College of Public Health in Tennessee and Central Appalachia, nearly tripled enrollment, secured more than $50 million in research funding, and earned numerous national honors, including the 2024 ASPPH Harrison C. Spencer Award for Outstanding Community Service. His dedication to improving the health of Appalachian communities, advancing innovation in public health education, and mentoring future leaders has left an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the field for years to come.

We also recognize Dr. Ron Brookmeyer, who is concluding his tenure as dean of the UCLA Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health. Throughout his leadership, Dr. Brookmeyer helped strengthen UCLA’s reputation as a global leader in public health research, education, and innovation while advancing the school’s mission to improve health and health equity. We thank him for his dedicated service and many contributions to academic public health.

As we honor these accomplished leaders, we are equally excited to welcome their successors. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Rob Pack as dean of the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health and Dr. Kari Nadeau as dean of the UCLA Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health. We look forward to working alongside both leaders as they build on the strong foundations established by their predecessors and lead their institutions into an exciting new chapter.

We are also delighted to welcome Dr. Charles Holmes as dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health. An internationally recognized physician, researcher, and global health leader, Dr. Holmes brings a wealth of experience spanning academia, government, and global public health partnerships. We are excited to partner with him as he leads one of the nation’s premier schools of public health.

Please join us in celebrating Drs. Wykoff and Brookmeyer for their remarkable leadership and lasting contributions to academic public health, and in welcoming Drs. Pack, Nadeau, and Holmes to the ASPPH community of deans. We look forward to the innovation, collaboration, and leadership they will bring in the years ahead.