Dean’s Message – October 2025
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This has been a busy month for SPHHS faculty, staff, and students with several events, celebrations, fairs, and…yes, classes too. The semester is flying by as we embrace the cooler weather and enjoy the amazing display of fall colors. The school is thriving and flourishing in the midst of the turmoil in our country.
This past Tuesday, our school proudly hosted the Philip W. Johnston Massachusetts Health Policy Forum at the Bromery Center for the Arts, focusing on a critical issue facing our region: the impact of Medicaid cuts on Western Massachusetts. The discussions highlighted how these changes deeply affect public health, social equity, and the well-being of our communities.
We were honored to welcome Kaitlyn Kenney Walsh, vice president of policy and research at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, who delivered an insightful opening presentation that set the stage for a dynamic and thought-provoking panel discussion by Michael Levine, Undersecretary EOHHS, MassHealth; Tania Barber, MBA, President and CEO, Caring Health Center; Dean Sanpei, Chief Strategy and Administrative Officer, Baystate Health; and Ilana Steinhauer, Executive Director and Clinical Director, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Berkshires. These leaders from government, health organizations, and community groups shared their perspectives and innovative ideas on how we can protect and expand healthcare coverage for our most vulnerable neighbors.
It was truly inspiring to see the event – which was so well attended by community members, faculty, students, and policy makers, all united by a shared commitment to public health. As we move forward, let us continue to engage in these meaningful conversations with open minds and a collective dedication to advancing health, equity, and dignity for all.
I would also like to give a shout-out to the exceptional students in the school. They continue to win awards in their disciplines, including Zoe Smith (Kinesiology), Shivranjani Gandhi (Community Health Education), Godness Biney (Epidemiology), and Ruth Appiah Kubi (Health Policy and Management). They inspire those of us in higher education, and because of them, we know our future will be in good hands. (You can find their accomplishments highlighted in our October newsletter.)
Kudos to our HR Director, Liane Ledger, for creating an event that allowed the artistic side of our staff members to shine. They carved and decorated pumpkins for their monthly meet-up. These monthly activities build connection among our SPHHS community members, encouraging us all to take part in creating a positive and healthy work culture. Many of us are looking forward to the SPHHS Thanksgiving Potluck scheduled for November 20th at noon. Faculty and staff are invited to bring a dish that is typical of their family’s tradition for this meaningful holiday of gratitude and friendship.
To our Kinesiology students, alumni, and former faculty, I am pleased to share that the department will host its 60th Anniversary Celebration this coming June 14-16, 2026, in the new SPHHS Hub. The conference will showcase the research accomplishments of current and former trainees in the areas of Biomechanics, Motor Control, Exercise Physiology and Physical Activity. Attendees can look forward to keynote lectures as well as a series of shorter presentations from distinguished alumni as well as current faculty and graduate students in each research area. Start making your plans to attend, and stay tuned for more details to come on the school’s website.
This weekend, I will be joining fellow deans from schools of public health across the nation at the American Public Health Association meeting. Together, we will engage in thoughtful discussions with leaders and policymakers on pressing topics such as strengthening science communication, supporting essential healthcare and nutrition programs, and advancing the education of future public health and healthcare leaders.
In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to foster open dialogue and seek shared solutions that can improve the health and well-being of all individuals and communities. I look forward to bringing back fresh insights and renewed inspiration to our SPHHS community as we continue our important work together.