Student Enrollment Continues to Grow

By John R. Finnegan, Jr.
Dean and Professor
Oct. 1, 2007

There is an old saying, "Growth is an option; Change is not." I call on this phrase because it nicely captures the good news I am delivering to you today, and the reasons behind that good news.

I'm happy to report that the 2007-08 academic year marks the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment for the SPH. We now have 1,343 total active students in the school. This marks a 13 percent gain over the last academic year of 1,191 students. And it marks a whopping 83 percent increase over the 2003 student population of 734.

Who makes up the largest student body in our school's history? By degree here's how it looks: 727 MPH, 89 MHA, 178 MS, 159 PhD, and 190 Regents' Certificates. Here's the part I really like: Our female minority student population of African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans is up by 18 percent over last year. Male minority students are up by 11 percent.

While we can't stop the world from changing, we can grow to meet the increasingly complex challenges of that world¿whether they be in infectious disease, policy, environmental health, chronic illness, global health, or preparedness. And we can grow in a way that brings our student body closer to reflecting the populations we serve.

Thanks to our stellar faculty and staff for creating a school that continues to rise in demand and reputation. And to our students, I send 1,343 wishes of good luck to you.