Dean’s Message – April 2026
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April is always a season of recognition and renewal for our school — a time when we celebrate the people whose work inspires learning, strengthens communities, and advances health. I’m thrilled to share some highlights and personal reflections from this busy, joyful month.
Please join me in congratulating our 2026 College Outstanding Teaching Award winners:
- Christy Maxwell, Lecturer, Department of Nutrition (College Outstanding Teaching Award)
- Megan Harvey, Lecturer, School for the Public Health and Health Sciences Professional and Online Programs (U+ Outstanding Teaching Award)
- Carissa Lange, Doctoral Candidate ’26, Department of Environmental Health Sciences (Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award)
Each of these educators models intentional, high-quality teaching that deepens learning and fosters belonging in the classroom. We will honor them at our Senior Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, May 17th — I hope many of you can attend to celebrate their accomplishments.
I also want to recognize Judi LaBranche, Senior Lecturer II in the Department of Kinesiology, who has been named UMass Amherst’s recipient of the 2026 Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching by the University of Massachusetts Foundation. The Manning Prize recognizes one outstanding teacher at each of the five UMass campuses. Judi’s innovative pedagogy, commitment to community-engaged learning, and tireless promotion of health and well-being across our department and university make this recognition so well-deserved. Congratulations, Judi!
I am also pleased to announce that Dr. Richard Freyman, Professor of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, has won the Advance Mentor Award in SPHHS. This award recognizes the vital role faculty play in mentoring their colleagues. For over 30 years, Dr. Freyman has provided unwavering support to his colleagues in the department and across the school. This award is so well deserved, and we are very proud of him.
On a personal note, this past week brought two deeply meaningful events. First, the National Academies released a report I contributed to — Protecting Maternal Heart Health: Prevention and Care Before, During, and After Pregnancy. The report makes clear that most maternal deaths stem from pregnancy-related cardiovascular issues, nearly half occur within the first year postpartum, and roughly 75% are preventable. Two immediate, evidence-based actions clinicians can implement now are treating chronic hypertension in pregnancy to a blood pressure target of <140/90 mmHg and strengthening postpartum hypertension management. Working on this committee was rigorous, collaborative, and profoundly rewarding; it reminded me why I pursued my doctorate — to improve the lives of reproductive-aged women and their babies. If you work in healthcare or public policy, I encourage you to read the report and consider how its recommendations could be applied in your practice or community.
The second event was a personal blessing: the birth of my first grandchild — a long-awaited daughter in a family of boys. The joy of welcoming her has been immeasurable, and I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned as a maternal and child nutritionist with her parents (if they’ll let me!).
Thank you to everyone who teaches, researches, and serves with passion and purpose. Your work transforms lives. Please join me in celebrating our awardees, honoring Judi’s achievement, and reflecting on the powerful ways research and care can prevent harm and promote health.