Education, Hampton Roads, Outdoors

Three Local Universities Agree To Develop Regional School Of Public Health

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Maddison Pace
12:42 am

August 30, 2021

Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School are joining forces to bring a new institution to Hampton Roads.

The presidents of the three schools gathered at ODU Friday to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, the first step in the creation of the ONE (ODU, NFS, EVMS) School of Public Health.

The field of public health has a focus on prevention of disease and illness, and the study and prevention of healthcare inequalities. The school will be on the grounds of Old Dominion, and all three universities will collaborate on financial matters, curricula, and other issues.

The state of Virginia has invested $5 million for the effort, and highly-awarded regional provider Sentara Healthcare has donated $4 million to the school for the accreditation process. Initially the school will offer a Master of Public Health and a PhD in Health Services Research, with other degrees to be offered later.

The students who attend the ONE School of Public Health in partnership with Sentara Healthcare - a key ally and financial supporter - will not only gain the knowledge in public health fields, but they will also learn about cultural competency in public health and medicine that will allow them to promote wellness and encourage healthy behaviors amongst the people they treat and encounter. This will give the region a well-rounded and prepared workforce in the years to come. Our joint partnership shows the importance of regionalism, collaboration, and is a great example of how when we all work together, we can find solutions to address major problems that impact individuals on every level.

NSU President Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D

A search committee will soon be looking for the school’s first dean, and the next step in the process involves applying for accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. To see the universities’ press releases about the occasion click here:

Old Dominion University

Norfolk State University

Eastern Virginia Medical School