A Message from the Dean

Image

I can’t think of a better vision and theme for a strategic plan than health and well-being for all. What could be more important than working to ensure that all people on this planet are healthy and thriving?

It’s an ambitious vision to be sure, but faculty and staff in the OSU College of Health share an unwavering commitment to this belief and actively put that dedication and passion to work in their teaching, research, and community engagement. They are health champions, well-being experts and change agents. They are the do-ers who are dedicated to taking on the greatest challenges to health, including mental health, chronic diseases, climate-related disasters, and the dramatic rise in factors that impact health such as loneliness, poverty and inequality.

We know we can’t do this work alone. Therefore, we work with colleagues in multiple disciplines, partnering with others to generate knowledge, create solutions, and train the next generation of globally minded health professionals.

We also do this work to help propel Oregon State University’s strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared, which emphasizes the importance of human health. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The first wealth is health.” Any vision of prosperity rests on health – which is at once a measure of prosperity and an enabler of it.

Our strategic and ambitious plan will drive what we do as a community in the years to come and focuses on increasing the success of our students, deepening the impact of our research, and extending the reach of our collaborations and engagement.

This strategic plan is built upon three foundational goals:

• Goal 1: Advance research and generate innovative discoveries to improve human health and well-being for all.
• Goal 2: Ensure that every student learns, thrives, and graduates.
• Goal 3: Create collaborations with communities, governments, education, and industry sectors to improve the health and well-being of their members and constituents.

We will also further our excellence in three signature research areas:

• Environmental Impacts on Human Health: Addressing the health effects of adverse environmental exposures, climate change, and natural disasters, and developing prevention and resilience solutions.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention to avoid the occurrence of disease or injury, reduce progression and effects, and manage health problems.
• Health and Well-Being of Children and Youth: Promoting positive child and youth development through social policies, family support, education, and community engagement.

Let this plan unite us as we work together to create a healthier and more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for everyone. Please engage with us, share your ideas and participate in the initiatives that will bring this strategic plan to life. Together, we will make this vision a reality!

Sincerely,

Debbie I. Craig

Debbie Craig, PhD, AT-R
Dean, College of Health