The Promise of Public Health
Celebrating Five Years of Impact
By Cheryl A.M. Anderson, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor, founding dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and inaugural Hood Family Endowed Dean’s Chair in Public Health
As we mark the fifth anniversary of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego, I am filled with gratitude. Our school has flourished into a vibrant, mission-driven school committed to advancing well-being for all.
Our school is now a hub of innovation, collaboration and service. We have transcended traditional academic boundaries to educate and empower the next generation of public health leaders. Through our bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and preventive medicine residency programs, we have cultivated a diverse and passionate cohort of students who are making meaningful contributions to the field — 1,851 students have graduated in the past five years.
Cheryl A.M. Anderson, Ph.D., M.P.H., founding dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health at the 2025 commencement
O ur research portfolio reflects our commitment to addressing the most pressing public health challenges. From studying the health impacts of climate change and physical activity to healthy aging and helping shape health policy, our faculty and research teams have led transformative, community-driven initiatives that bridge science and society. These efforts are not only expanding knowledge — they are changing lives.
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health faculty
Clinicians, medical students and university leadership joined the launch of the Revive & Survive San Diego initiative.
W e have also deepened our engagement with communities, honoring local wisdom and co-creating solutions with regional and global partners. Initiatives like Revive & Survive San Diego — which aims to train 1 million San Diegans in hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation—and the free laser tattoo removal program for justice-impacted adults exemplify our dedication to service and shared responsibility for public health across the San Diego region and beyond.
A s our student population and educational offerings continue to grow with a new doctoral degree launching in fall 2025 and our bachelor’s program expanding to Southwestern College in 2026, our research and community programs are also evolving to meet contemporary public health needs. Throughout these changes, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a healthier world.
These achievements are not just institutional wins; they are reflections of the dedication and brilliance of our faculty, staff, students and collaborators. The promise of public health is alive in every classroom, research lab and community partnership we nurture. Read more about what we have accomplished in this annual report, and remember that together we are shaping the future of public health.
UC San Diego leaders joined Southwestern College leaders for a tour of the new building that will house the new Bachelor of Science in Public Health and at the community college.
