The School of Public Health at historically Black Jackson State University is now the only program of its kind in the state of Mississippi to earn accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. The school began its credentialing process in 2016 after it gained significant support from administrators, Governor Phil Bryant, and a special appropriation from the state legislature.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment for Jackson State and the state of Mississippi and beyond,” said William B. Bynum Jr., president of Jackson State University. “Our goals are to continue to make impactful advances for our state and nation in the field of public health and increase life expectancy and the public’s well-being.”
“The faculty in the School of Public Health were among the original architects of the Jackson Heart Study,” stated Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Jackson State. “Through this accreditation, Jackson State continues to show significant leadership in demonstrating the importance of HBCUs, and I anticipate that the School of Public Health will continue its vision in advancing research and the delivery of quality healthcare in Mississippi and the region.”
Now that it has earned accreditation, the School of Public Health plans to launch online programs, support opportunities for dual degrees, and expand their mission globally to focus on the social determinants of health.
