Spartans in Public Health

April 2025

Newly Appointed Director of MPH

Darline El Reda has been appointed Director of the Master of Public Health Program and Associate Chair of Education. Dr. El Reda has been part of the program since 2012 and has taught courses on biostatistics, epidemiology, informatics, and more. We're grateful for her dedication to student success and look forward to her leadership started May 1st. MORE

MPH student in downtown Flint with backpack

Rise in National Ranking

In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, the MSU Master of Public Health Program stands at number 51 out of 219 ranked schools and programs of public health nationwide. Among the top 25% nationwide, the MPH program moved up from last year’s ranking of #59. The 2025-2026 rankings reflect a steady rise in national standing and are a testament to our collective commitment and engagement with instructional excellence, research, and mentoring for the benefit of MSU students.

Spartans are Agents of Change

Kendra Shannon, MPH' 24, has always wanted to be a catalyst for change. Now a Supervising and Staff Development Educator at MSU Extension, Kendra uses what she's learned from other public health professionals in her work everyday. MORE

2 Million Reasons to Care About Rural Public Health in Michigan

Initiatives like the MPH Rural Public Health concentration and Rx Kids are addressing rural public health issues like distant travel to a short supply of health care resources in Michigan. READ

From Montana to Ghana:
What Drew Me to Public Health

MPH student Shelly Bundy writes about why she chose the Rural Public Health concentration and what she learned during the Public Health in Ghana education abroad program. MORE

Breaking Cycles and Rebuilding Systems

The path to public health has been anything but linear for MPH student Joey Bernert. They write about overcoming challenges and why they're pursuing public health. MORE

Public Health Advocacy Day

On April 9th, MPH students Dionna Brown and Brittany Tayler traveled to Michigan's state Capitol to speak with policymakers and raise awareness for public health issues.

Pediatric Public Health Initiative faculty were recognized by the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership for their work in the Flint community

Hometown Hero Award: Brittany Tayler, MPH student
Health Policy Award: Nicole Jones, Pediatric Public Health Initiative

Thank You for Supporting MPH Students

Thank you for helping us raise over $2,500 on Give Green Day! These gifts will provide financial scholarships for MPH students.

Spartans in Public Health Snapshot