Wednesday, March 13, 2024
The School of Public Health at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has received reaccreditation for the maximum seven-year term by the Council on Education for Public Health. HSC’s School of Public Health is one of only four CEPH-accredited public health
schools in Texas.
CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs. CEPH accreditation provides assurance that the school or program has been evaluated and meets public health professional standards in practice, research and service. The peer-reviewed accreditation process is rigorous.
CEPH accreditation is considered the benchmark of quality in the evaluation of public health programs, ensuring that the degrees offered provide the highest caliber of education possible, preparing students to be competent public health professionals as they enter the field.
Since its founding in 1999, the School of Public Health has focused on eliminating health inequities and improving the quality and conditions of life by providing critically needed public health education and research for communities in North Texas and beyond. SPH is part of a values-driven organization with a deep commitment to diversity, integrity, respect and serving others first. This year, SPH celebrates its 25thanniversary.
In addition to the school’s graduate programs in public health and health administration, students receive hands-on, high-impact learning opportunities and gain real-world practice experiences in the community. The strong professional relationships and international networks that SPH students establish during their course of study play a significant role in their success that continues long after graduation.
“Our reaccreditation stands as a notable milestone in the school’s journey,” said Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, SPH dean. “As we celebrate this achievement, we are working hard to implement our new strategic plan – IMPACT 2030: Commitment to Community – which is deeply rooted in collaboration, impact and the shared goal of creating solutions for healthier communities and advancing health equity.”
“This achievement reflects the hard work of our former dean, Dr. Dennis Thombs, and the dedication of all members of our faculty, staff, students and community partners. It also emphasizes the collaborative spirit and support SPH has received from the Office of the Provost and all members of the Health Science Center Cabinet.”
“As the fourth dean of this outstanding School of Public Health,” he added, “I feel very proud and grateful to be able to serve HSC and help lead our institution toward greater heights.”
HSC executive vice president and provost, Dr. Charles Taylor, called the school’s reaccreditation a “tremendous achievement.”
“I am so proud of the School of Public Health,” he added, “for unleashing our potential for the future and setting the pace for remarkability.”
In offering congratulations to the SPH team, Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams, HSC president, called this achievement an outstanding outcome, saying, “I am proud of all the hard work you’ve done and thank you for strategically meeting the current needs and demands of our public health community, while simultaneously honoring the foundation and legacy of HSC and the School of Public Health.”
From HSC Newsroom - Our People by Sally Crocker