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Dean's Message

Welcome to the the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Dean Iman Hakim

Situated in the dramatic beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the vibrant multicultural heritage of Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health has the distinction of being the first and only accredited college of public health in the state of Arizona.

Since its founding in January of 2000 by the Arizona Board of Regents, our College’s Tucson and Phoenix locations have enjoyed remarkable growth in the number of students, faculty, and staff, as well as in the expansion of our academic programs, community service and research.

We offer a strong academic program that includes the Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree and graduate degrees in public health, global health, environmental sciences, biostatistics and epidemiology, and the public health practice and translational research program in Phoenix.

We have gained national and international recognition for our research productivity and integration into communities across Arizona, the Southwest, Mexico and the globe. We are embracing the University’s position as a global land grant university by establishing international partnerships via our Global Health Institute.

We lead with both cutting-edge science and deep community commitments. Our faculty, alumni and students are finding new approaches to chronic disease prevention, community public health preparedness, family wellness and advocacy for public health policy.

We insist on a dynamic interchange between public health research and community outreach, translating research findings into community programs and transforming community needs into basic and applied public health research. We also are known nationally for expanding the definition of public health service in the academic setting.

Among the areas addressed by our public health research and community-based programs are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, nutrition, exercise, violence prevention, environmental hazards, media literacy, bioterrorism and public health preparedness. Through collaborative efforts with county and state health departments, community residents and leaders, and other health professionals, our College has become a premier leader in eradicating health disparities in Arizona and the Southwest.

None of this would be possible if it wasn't for the unfailing support of our largest benefactors and the namesakes for our College: Mel and Enid Zuckerman, the founders of Canyon Ranch and staunch advocates for healthy living.

I invite you to navigate our web site to learn more about the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health. Stay on top of College news and events through our website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

We hope you consider joining us as a student, benefactor, faculty or staff member in our endeavors to promote, prevent and protect our local communities and those across the globe.

Warmest regards,
Iman A. Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH
Dean and Professor

Dean’s Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Fund (DSIF)

The DSIF offers small grants annually up to $50,000 to spur innovation in the college, to grow student experiences and research capacity, and to promote community engagement, diversity, and inclusion.
Learn more and apply here.

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