When the College of Public Health was established in the summer of 1999 – the first new college formed at our university in 50 years – it was a bold, new beginning on many fronts. New educational programs, like our Master of Public Health degree, were launched and offered for the first time in the state of Iowa. A new academic department, specifically our Department of Community and Behavioral Health, was created, too.  

But for all the newness, the establishment of this college was also the continuation of a long tradition of public health teaching, research, and practice at the University of Iowa, a tradition that dates back to 1885. In that sense, the formation of the College of Public Health is emblematic of the work of public health itself, which is constantly evolving and adapting to the times. New structures, new techniques, and new ideas are constantly needed to stay atop the rising health challenges we face in our increasingly interconnected world.

Our forward-looking orientation is captured in the Vision that continues to guide our college in 2024: To serve Iowa and the Midwest as one of the nation’s premier state-assisted schools of public health and lead the global community in rural public health education and training, research, and practice. We are guided as well by our ongoing commitment to our Core Values: excellence, learning, community, diversity, integrity, respect, responsibility, and social justice.

We thank all our alumni and friends who – together with our faculty, staff, and current students – have contributed so much to the tremendous success of the College of Public Health over its first 25 years.

Collectively, we have much that we can be proud of accomplishing, and so much more to look forward to in the years to come.

Best wishes and Go Hawks!