Dean’s Message - March 2024
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It is with profound sadness that I convey the news of the passing of Dr. Paula Stamps, a cherished member of our faculty within the Department of Health Promotion and Policy. Dr. Stamps was an enduring presence in our school and broader public health community, distinguished for her steadfast dedication to student mentorship and enhancing the quality of the healthcare workforce. Many of you have undoubtedly collaborated with or been touched by her contributions over the years. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends. Below, you'll find an article describing Dr. Stamps' extensive impact on both the SPHHS community and the field at large. Please stay tuned for forthcoming details on how we intend to honor her life.
This past month, I had the privilege of participating in meetings in Washington, D.C., which reignited the importance of having a collective commitment to advocating for public health, health equity, and higher education. At the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine gathering, pedestrian safety emerged as a critical topic often overlooked in public health discourse. We were made aware of a decade-long rise in pedestrian fatalities, with approximately 8,000 deaths recorded in 2021 alone. Given our campus's bustling nature, particularly during warmer months, where countless students traverse to and from classes and events, it's imperative we remain vigilant. While it's natural to feel impatient behind the wheel (I am guilty of this as well), especially when awaiting pedestrians, we must prioritize alertness and patience. To our students, I implore you to allow for breaks in pedestrian traffic and refrain from distractions, such as smartphones, while crossing streets. Preventing pedestrian accidents is within our control.
The Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health's (ASPPH) Annual Meeting provided a platform for several remarkable speakers to underscore the intersection of public health and politics, urging us to become better advocates and to prepare for the future of higher education. Accompanied by seven colleagues from our school (shown in the picture), I found myself inspired by countless insights shared. Among them, two points resonated deeply: the existence of a cohort projected to live up to 150 years and an anticipated average of 20-30 jobs throughout one's career. These projections signal a need for adaptable educational models, emphasizing stackable credentials and multiple points of entry in higher education as opposed to front loading education. While I personally don't foresee reaching the age of 150 and aim to retire within the next decade, it's evident that our field must evolve to meet the shifting landscape. The ASPPH has provided an exceptional executive report, supplemented by three subcommittee reports, offering invaluable guidance as we reimagine public health and health sciences education. I encourage each of you to engage with these resources as we continually enhance our curriculum and degree offerings for future generations.
Please join me again this year in the UMass 5K Dash & Dine event to be held on Saturday, April 20th. We will meet once again in front of the Berkshire Dinning Commons loading dock at 10:30 am. Wear your SPHHS swag!
As you can see announced in the newsletter, Spring is a time with many events. I am hopeful that you will be able to join us in at least one of them as we celebrate the accomplishments of our faculty and students.