ASPPH is delighted to welcome three recently appointed deans and program directors who bring exceptional leadership and expertise to the academic public health community. We welcome Dr. Christopher Seplaki, Associate Professor and Director of the MPH Program at the University of Rochester Graduate Public Health Programs; Dr. Paula H. Song, Dean, Ohio State University College of Public Health; and Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Public Health.

Dr. Christopher Seplaki is an Associate Professor of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester and serves as Director of its Master’s in Public Health Program. His research focuses on the epidemiology of aging, examining how physical and social environments interact with biological processes to influence resilience and health outcomes in later life.

Dr. Paula H. Song has been named Dean of The Ohio State University College of Public Health. Previously, she served as the Richard M. Bracken Chair of the Department of Health Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University and held interim dean responsibilities in VCU’s College of Health Professions. A nationally recognized scholar in health care finance, her research explores the impact of payment policies on health care organizations, patients, and providers.

Dr. Monica Swahn has been appointed Dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Public Health. She joined VCU from Kennesaw State University, where she was dean of the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. An internationally recognized public health scholar, her research centers on the structural drivers of alcohol use, violence, and HIV/AIDS, with a particular focus on how alcohol exacerbates health disparities and chronic diseases.

We are enthusiastic about the vision and expertise these leaders bring and look forward to their contributions to advancing ASPPH’s collective mission to improve health for all.