A lot has happened since 2014. That year alone, the U.S. faced its first Ebola outbreak, prompting urgent discussions about public health preparedness and response. The Affordable Care Act expanded health coverage to millions, igniting a national debate on healthcare equity and access. Additionally, the rise of the opioid crisis highlighted the urgent need for effective addiction treatment and prevention strategies. Amid these pivotal moments in health policy, Temple University established the College of Public Health (CPH), a pioneering institution dedicated to addressing the complexities of health for individuals and communities on both local and global scales.

Achieving Major Milestones

On this day, October 15th, the College of Public Health celebrates 10 years of innovation and collaboration in response to the challenges that shaped its foundation. Today, the college stands stronger than ever, as illustrated not only by its 10th anniversary but also by several other impressive numbers:

• 1,000+ new students welcomed in the fall 2024 academic year, marking CPH’s largest class to date.
• 160+ pioneering faculty members, including seven recognized among the top 2% of researchers globally by Elsevier and Stanford University (2021).
• 53 unique academic programs, comprising 16 undergraduate and 37 graduate offerings.
• 2 consecutive years of recognition as one of the nation’s top 100 public health colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
• 1 state-of-the-art building set to open in fall 2025; Paley Hall will serve as the collective home of CPH, centrally located in the heart of the Temple University campus.

Guided by its mission—“Educate. Innovate. Transform.”—the College of Public Health has become a catalyst for change. Dean Jennifer Ibrahim stated, “Over the past decade, our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration has established CPH as a leader in public health education. This fall, we welcomed over 1,000 new students, showcasing our growth and the demand for our programs. Additionally, our U.S. News & World Report ranking underscores our dedication to excellence. We’ve not only educated future leaders; we’ve also engaged in designing innovative solutions to the most pressing health challenges.”

As part of the college’s birthday festivities, Dean Ibrahim is personally delivering CPH birthday cakes to various departments across five campus locations. “It’s just a fun way to show some appreciation for the amazing people at CPH and the hard work that got us here,” she expressed. “As we look ahead to the completion of the Paley building, I am excited about the enhanced collaboration opportunities that will empower our students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the broader public health landscape." On a lighter note, she added, “Cake deliveries will also be much easier when the new building opens and everyone is in one place!”

Leading the Way in Public Health Education

With over 50 academic programs across diverse disciplines like Communication Sciences and Disorders, Epidemiology, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Nursing, the college offers a rich learning environment. Its focus on interprofessional education prepares students to address health challenges with cultural humility and community impact.

Temple President Richard M. Englert remarked, “Over the past 10 years, we have seen the College of Public Health grow to become one of the largest and most diverse colleges of its kind in the country. It is a hallmark of Temple University as it has helped equip thousands of students to drive change in their communities. What has me most excited about the College of Public Health is that I believe the best is yet to come. Next year, we will open the newly renovated Paley Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that will play a key role in ensuring that our students remain well prepared to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving field of public health.”

 

Building for the Future

In its first decade, the College of Public Health has made significant strides in research and community service. Faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research that addresses real-world issues, strengthening ties with local populations. Provost Gregory N. Mandel stated, “It’s an exciting time to honor a decade of impact and lasting positive change created by the College of Public Health. With the new building in the heart of campus, I anticipate an even greater advancement of interdisciplinary teaching and research in the next decade and beyond. The vital role that health plays in our society is only going to increase, and I know with leading research, a dedication to health equity, and strong curricular preparation, the College of Public Health is going to continue to be a leader in the future of care.”

 

As the college celebrates this significant anniversary, it eagerly anticipates the completion of Paley Hall in 2025, which will serve as its first unified home. The exterior façade is slated for completion in November, following the recent topping-out ceremony that marked the end of the building's structural phase. Scheduled to open in the fall of 2025 on the site of the former Samuel L. Paley Library, Paley Hall will bring together diverse fields of study that are currently spread across 10 buildings and two campuses. With features designed to promote health equity and person-centered approaches, this state-of-the-art facility will embody the college's commitment to holistic wellness and community impact.

Looking back on its first decade, the College of Public Health remains committed to addressing the challenges that lie ahead. In a world where public health is more critical than ever, the college’s dedication to education, research, and community engagement will ensure it continues to lead the way. As Dean Ibrahim said, “The future of health is not just about care; it's about creating diverse and equitable communities where every individual has the power to thrive. The College of Public Health is poised to advance these efforts in its 10th year and for many more years to come.”