Over the next few weeks, ASPPH will be welcoming newly appointed deans and directors from across our membership from throughout 2025. This week, we are proud to highlight and welcome three new deans and program directors: Dr. Bita Amani, who became Chair and Director of the MPH and BSPH Programs for the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science MPH Program in Urban Public Health; Dr. Ela Austin, who is now the Primary Representative of Public Health Programs for the Virginia Tech Public Health Program; and Dr. Debbie Craig, the new dean of Oregon State University’s College of Health.

These accomplished leaders bring exceptional expertise and passion to their roles.

Dr. Amani’s work centers on health equity, community engagement, and addressing structural determinants of health. Dr. Austin focuses on how societal institutions and structures affect the health of vulnerable, stigmatized, and marginalized populations, with research spanning LGBTQ health, homelessness, and healthcare access. Dr. Craig offers extensive experience in health sciences education, academic leadership, and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration.

We look forward to partnering with Drs. Amani, Austin, and Craig to strengthen the academic public health enterprise and advance our shared mission of improving health and achieving equity through education, research, and practice.