Recent years have been ones of tremendous growth and success for the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH). However, the school must respond to current challenges – both internal and external – in order to maintain this trajectory of success. GSPH Dean Donald S. Burke initiated a formal strategic planning process in January of this year to chart the school’s course for the future and continually examine its progress. Wednesday, marked the strategic planning kick-off. Small group discussions and a luncheon with the steering committee culminated in a school-wide strategic planning kick-off meeting.

During the meeting, presentations were given by the University’s Assistant Provost for Strategic and Program Development Sheila Rathke and the Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences Arthur S. Levine. Dr. Harrison Spencer (ASPH) also addressed the participants about the current trends in the field of public health education. "Harrison’s insight regarding the state of public health education is an invaluable resource as we consider future directions of GSPH," said Dean Burke. "Harrison brought with him a unique perspective that was a key driver in many of the day’s discussions."

Inherent in the strategic planning process is a review of the school’s mission statement, vision and goals, careful assessment of both internal and external environments and incorporation into the University-wide plan. GSPH recently completed the re-accreditation process through the Council on Education of Public Health (CEPH); the CEPH self-study document and evaluation feedback will be used as the strategic planning foundation.

The field of public health education is undergoing rapid change. Dr. Spencer mentioned the enormous increase in number of schools and programs applying for CEPH accreditation, the growth in undergraduate public health programs, the increase in joint degree collaborations, and the expanding interest in the disciplines of global health and preparedness. Each of these factors points to a need for a carefully planned future; Dean Burke is confident that GSPH will be ready.