Master of Public Health

Black History Month is a time to honor the invaluable contributions Black Americans have made to every facet of our society, including the field of public health. From groundbreaking medical research to transformative public health leadership, these pioneers have paved the way for healthier communities and more equitable healthcare systems. Their work continues to influence how we approach public health today, reminding us that with dedication and a passion for service, anyone with a public health degree can make a lasting impact.

Dr. William Augustus Hinton
Dr. William Augustus Hinton (1883-1959) was a trailblazing bacteriologist, pathologist, and educator who became the first Black professor at Harvard and the first Black author of a published medical textbook. Despite facing racial barriers that prevented him from becoming a surgeon, Dr. Hinton revolutionized public health by developing a more accurate and less painful syphilis detection test, later adopted by the U.S. Public Health Services. His commitment to improving diagnostic methods has had a lasting impact on public health practices, showcasing how research and innovation can lead to better health outcomes for communities.

Dr. Roselyn Epps
Dr. Roselyn Epps was a dedicated maternal and child health advocate and public health professional who became the first African American national president of the American Medical Women’s Association. She worked tirelessly in smoking prevention and cancer research, and she made history as Washington, DC’s first acting commissioner of public health. Her leadership and commitment to addressing health disparities have influenced policies that continue to benefit vulnerable populations today, highlighting the importance of advocacy and leadership roles in public health.

Dr. Minnie Joycelyn Elders
Dr. Minnie Joycelyn Elders, a pediatrician and public health administrator, broke barriers as the first Black and second female U.S. Surgeon General. Known for her outspoken advocacy on public health issues, preventive care, and health education, Dr. Elders brought national attention to critical topics such as adolescent health, sexual education, and health disparities. Her fearless approach to addressing taboo topics demonstrated the power of public health professionals to influence national conversations and policies, inspiring future leaders to champion comprehensive health education and equitable care.

Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, a distinguished physician and researcher, is the first woman to serve as President and Dean of Morehouse School of Medicine. She has dedicated her career to advancing health equity, improving healthcare access in underserved communities, and promoting diversity in medical education. Her work exemplifies how public health professionals can drive systemic change by addressing the social determinants of health and fostering inclusive environments in healthcare and academia.

You are the future of Public Health
These pioneers remind us that public health is more than just a field—it’s a powerful tool for change. Their achievements show that with a degree in public health, you can contribute to groundbreaking research, influence policy, lead organizations, and improve the health of entire communities. As we celebrate their legacies, let their stories inspire you to pursue your passions in public health and make your own mark on the world. If you would like to get a degree visit here: https://mph.uconn.edu/admissions/

February Infosession
Join us for an online information session scheduled for Tuesday, February 11th, where you’ll have the chance to delve into our Master’s in Public Health programs. This session promises to provide invaluable insights into the diverse realm of public health, helping you identify your interests and aspirations in this critical field of study.

Our information sessions will provide a platform for you to interact with our esteemed Program Directors who are experts in the field. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, engage in discussions, and gain a deep understanding of the unique advantages of UConn’s curriculum. Learn how our program is meticulously designed to prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career in the dynamic field of public health.

We understand that choosing the right graduate program is a significant decision, and we are here to support you in making an informed choice that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Join us at these sessions and embark on an exciting journey towards a Master’s in Public Health at UConn.

Register here

We look forward to seeing you there!

This holiday season, the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences demonstrated the power of community by hosting a donation drive to support survivors of domestic violence at the Prudence Crandall Center. From November 13 to December 17, faculty, staff, students, and community members joined forces to provide essential items that will bring comfort and hope to individuals and families in need.

The donations included gift cards for groceries and household items, new bedding and towels, personal care products, diapers, cleaning supplies, and toys for children. These contributions were delivered directly to the center, where they will play a crucial role in helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and security.

Drop-off day was a heartwarming experience as members of the department came together to load and unload the car and personally deliver the items to the center. The event served as a powerful reminder of how public health is about more than just policy and research—it’s about community action and care.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in this drive. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, proving that even small contributions can lead to significant change. Together, we’ve shown that the UConn Public Health community truly embodies the spirit of service and compassion.

Stay tuned for more ways to get involved and make a difference in public health!

Register here

We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet Julie-Ann Williams! She received wonderful news about a fellowship that she will be starting after graduation, with the Moses/Weitzman Health System (MWHS).

The Moses/Weitzman Health System (MWHS) Administrative Fellowship is a 12-month program providing hands-on leadership training in healthcare operations at an innovative, primary care-focused health system based in Middletown, CT. Fellows gain experience across key areas like operations, finance, IT, and research, with opportunities to explore electives such as clinical departments and affiliates like NIMAA and ConferMED. The program develops leaders skilled in improving care quality, managing health centers, fostering innovation, and addressing healthcare challenges. With a competitive salary and benefits, this fellowship is ideal for postgraduates aspiring to drive community health transformation.

Congratulations on your fellowship! Can you tell us more about the fellowship and what you’ll be focusing on in this new role?

Williams: Thank you so much. This is an administrative fellowship that is project based, providing me with experience in operations and management. That means that over the course of a year I will rotate to different departments/ areas of the company. The duration of each rotation will vary on the length of the project and I am looking forward to my rotation in the Weitzman Institute as well as in Operations. Another amazing opportunity with an administrative fellowship is the access fellows have to executive leadership. I will be able to attend senior leadership meetings, and shadow the various faculty advisors.

What inspired you to pursue this opportunity, and how did your time in the UConn MPH program help prepare you for this fellowship?

Williams: My deep commitment to improving healthcare systems to provide compassionate and efficient care inspired me to pursue this opportunity. One experiences that stands out is my job at Avery Heights Nursing Home . I observed how small improvements in administrative efficiency could significantly impact the quality of care. This sparked my passion for healthcare administration, as I realized I could drive meaningful change through personal connections with residents and by improving the systems supporting their care. Another moment is the research I did during my LEND Fellowship this past year at UConn on healthcare disparities and hospital procedures. My research solidified my passion for driving meaningful change in healthcare administration.

The variety of classes I took during the UConn MPH program truly prepared me for the interview process. I was able to bring a perspective grounded in health disparities and population health, which aligned perfectly with the goals of the fellowship. Courses like Health Administration, Interprofessional Public Health Practice, and those involving group projects helped me grow as a leader and team player. With so much experience working on group projects, I had plenty of examples to share during the interviews.
The MPH program also made me a more well-rounded individual. I’ve taken a wide range of classes and worked alongside people from diverse fields, age groups, and educational backgrounds. In the future, I’ll need to collaborate with teams just as varied, and I’m incredibly grateful for the program. It gave me the chance to learn from so many perspectives and taught me valuable lessons that I’ll carry into my career.

What was the application process like, and what advice would you give to other students hoping to secure a similar fellowship?

Williams: The application process for administrative fellowships was mostly centralized through the NAFCAS website. While not all programs use it, the majority do, which makes it convenient. Applications were due by September 27, but it’s better to submit early since many programs start reviewing applications over a month before the deadline, with phone interviews beginning as early as September 9. For each program, you need three letters of recommendation, a cover letter, a personal statement, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and most programs also have additional questions. These questions often focus on topics like diversity in healthcare delivery or demonstrating leadership qualities.
If you’re planning to apply for a fellowship, I strongly recommend starting the process early. It’s important to have a solid understanding of hospital and health system administration. I spent a lot of time doing my own research to learn how health systems operate and to understand the difference between strategies and operations.

When preparing for interviews, it’s key to research the specific hospital system—what makes it unique, why you want to work there, and what value you can bring to the organization.
It’s a very competitive process. Many of the other applicants I met were MHA candidates, but don’t let that discourage you. I didn’t have an internship at a hospital or a strong background in financial terminology, but as an MPH student, you bring valuable skills to the table. In the end, confidence in your knowledge and goals will go a long way in helping you secure a fellowship and move forward in your career.

Looking back, what specific skills or experiences from the UConn MPH program do you think will be most helpful in your new position?

Williams: 1. Public Health Leadership class- Leadership skills, goal setting, confidence, better understanding of myself. 2. Group projects- How to resolve problems, how to lead, critical thinking skills. 3. Practicum experience- time management, CHNA, how to find and communicate with stakeholders. 4.Public Health Research Methods class, where I learned step by step how to conduct quality research

What are you most excited about as you transition from graduate school to this new role, and what impact do you hope to make?

Williams: I am most excited to continue my learning opportunities post grad in an environment that encourages it. My long-term goal is to hold a leadership position where I can implement practical changes that benefit both patients and healthcare providers. My short-term goal is to deepen my understanding of healthcare administration by exploring various health system areas. I want to learn directly from executive leaders who can provide invaluable insights into effective management practices. This fellowship will help me bridge the gap in knowledge and experience, preparing me for future leadership roles prioritizing quality care.