Dean Messonnier celebrates a year at Gillings School, highlighting its top U.S. News ranking and commitment to public health education.
Has it been a year already?
Since stepping into the role of dean at the Gillings School, I have been on a journey of daily discovery that has left me inspired by what our Carolina community can accomplish.
We are once again the number one public school of public health in the country, according to the 2023 U.S. News rankings. That carries special meaning to me this year because I saw firsthand how much this honor is a result of the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors.
They are the engine that keeps the Gillings School running, who help one another face the tough challenges and show appreciation for their achievements. Through their work, they push boundaries in search of new public health solutions that bolster preparedness, support clean air and clean water, and lead to healthy communities and families.
I am also grateful for our community partners, peer institutions and collaborators across UNC, who are an important part of the global network that trains public health leaders of tomorrow.
Thank you for a wonderful first year – one where we graduated the largest cohort of public health students in UNC-Chapel Hill’s history. I am confident that, as each graduate takes the next step in their journey, they will be supported by a strong public health foundation that will help dismantle systemic inequities and make meaningful change in lives.
We are proudly a public school and committed to fulfilling our responsibility to the state of North Carolina and to the world, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the best health possible. This impact report is a product of that commitment, and we hope it demonstrates the value of your investment in a public health education that can make an impact at UNC, in our state and around the globe.
In public health, the work is never truly done. But through this impact report, I hope you’ll take a moment to join us in celebrating our accomplishments while we anticipate with excitement the new challenges we are ready to face.
Nancy Messonnier, MD
Dean and Bryson Distinguished
Professor in Public Health
Congratulations to our new department chairs!
- Raz Shaikh, PhD — Chair of the Department of Nutrition
- Kristin Reiter, PhD — Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management
- Michael Hudgens, PhD — Chair of the Department of Biostatistics
- Anna Schenck, PhD — Chair of the Department of Public Health Leadership and Practice
