School of Public Health HISTORY

In the early 1990’s, local leaders started acknowledging the challenges impacting the health of our community. This started the discussion about forming a new school of public health. At the inception of these meetings, there were no accredited schools of public health in Tennessee. The nearest accredited schools were in New Orleans, Louisiana and Birmingham, Alabama. After nearly a decade of careful planning and preparation, the University laid the foundation for what would become the University of Memphis School of Public Health.

In 2006, under the leadership of retired President Dr. Shirley Raines, the University sought approval from the Tennessee Board of Regents to develop a Master of Public Health program.

In 2007, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved the establishment of the School of Public Health.

In August 2008, Dr. Lisa Klesges, the founding Dean, began to develop and organize the startup of SPH within the College of Arts & Sciences.

In 2009, the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program and its faculty were transferred from the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy into the College of Arts & Sciences, as SPH gained status as an independent entity within the University.

School Of Public Health In Numbers

15%

GENERATION STUDENTS

11:1

18%

95% EMPLOYED WITHIN 12 MONTHS

41%