Dean’s Message: Williams Lauds College’s Impact
| Greetings alumni and Dean’s Society members,
I’m pleased to announce that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health continues to excel despite these trying times for public health and especially public health research. The college’s faculty, staff and students have remained productive and committed to improving the public health of Arkansas through teaching, research and community service.
There is no shortage of outstanding achievements affiliated with the college. For example, this spring Gunnar Boysen, Ph.D., and Ping-Ching Hsu, Ph.D., both of whom are faculty in our Department of Environmental Health Sciences, each received a National Institute of Environmental Health Science grant to conduct cancer research.
Of course, we have exceptional students as well.
In fact, the College of Public Health celebrated its 2025 graduating class in which nearly 90 students were recognized during a ceremony held at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock. More than 300 family and friends witnessed the graduates receive their degrees.
Also, during the ceremony, Jim Wallis received the 2025 College of Public Health Service award due to his support of the college as a donor and member of our External Advisory Board.
I am excited to note that in 2026 the College of Public Health will celebrate its 25th anniversary. During our tenure, the college has experienced substantial growth not only in its statewide impact and enrollment, but in degree programs as well.
Recently, we’ve added a Ph.D., in Environmental Health Services program. Additionally, our Master of Health Administration program now offers a Medical Laboratory Sciences Management specialization initiative. We have also added a graduate certificate in maternal and child health. These new programs will only enhance the breadth of public health in Arkansas.
It is important to always remember that public health is needed. Public health will remain an important part of health care in our communities. We remain proud of our alumnae and the work that you are doing in sustaining public health at this critical time. With your continued support for our students, the College of Public Health has a bright future.
Sincerely,
Mark L. Williams, Ph.D.,
Dean of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health