UAMS College of Public Health Named For Fay W. Boozman, M.D.
| LITTLE ROCK – The As director of the department, which will merge Friday with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Boozman championed public health efforts that seek to change attitudes and promote healthier lifestyles statewide. The UAMS alumnus also played a key role in steering millions of dollars from a 1998 tobacco industry legal settlement to health-related causes, including the The dedication was attended by Gov. Mike Huckabee and other state leaders, UAMS officials, family and friends. Several reflected on the legacy left by the 58-year-old ophthalmologist, who also earned a master’s of public health degree. “Fay helped create the plan for wisely using the funds from the tobacco lawsuit settlement,” said Huckabee. “The establishment of the UAMS’ newest college is responsible for developing programs that reach into communities to help people stay healthy. The college’s efforts are focused primarily on changing attitudes about tobacco, food choices and physical activity, all of which are major factors affecting the leading causes of death and disability. Arkansans in 2000 endorsed the health plan with a 65 percent vote for the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act, which called for funding the During the college’s 2002 construction, Boozman said it symbolized a “growing commitment to the citizens of Boozman’s death led the Arkansas Legislature to approve a resolution calling for the UAMS Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson, M.D., said the naming is a fitting tribute. “Fay’s work toward improving the health of every Arkansan was a mission he took to heart,” The The COPH is to improve the health and well-being of Arkansans through two primary mechanisms: meeting the public health work force needs for the future and demonstrating how public health approaches can address the health needs of Arkansans via model community programs. Pilot sites for teaching and learning also serve as innovative laboratories for new and creative approaches to old problems. Students learn under the guidance of faculty with the aid of local citizens, schools, hospitals and faith groups about community-based health improvement UAMS is the state’s only comprehensive academic health center, with five colleges, a graduate school, a medical center, five centers of excellence and a statewide network of regional centers. UAMS has about 2,200 students and 660 residents and is the state’s largest public employer with almost 9,000 employees. UAMS and its affiliates have an economic impact in