In the U.S., seven out of every 10 deaths can be attributed to chronic diseases, also referred to as non-communicable diseases. By 2020, that’s expected to be true across the globe. We see our students, faculty and graduates playing a major role in developing solutions for urban populations in Atlanta and around the world.

We see the School of Public Health becoming a leader in the research and delivery of large-scale programs that will address chronic disease, urban health disparities and other pressing public health problems.

We are in a unique position to focus on the public health challenges of cities and to grow our global reach. Though we are a young program, we have more than 1,000 alumni, most of them working in metro Atlanta. And we are a top destination for Fulbright Scholars. More than 75 international health professionals have trained at the school through the prestigious Fulbright program and are now working to improve health in their home countries.

Diversity in our student body and faculty is also a strength. In coming years we will grow enrollment, continue to recruit internationally recognized faculty and expand our reach in the world of public health. We strive to be the program of choice for students and researchers who want to join us in finding hands-on solutions based on rigorous scientific study.

Rodney Lyn is the interim dean of the School of Public Health, associate professor and senior associate dean for Academic and Strategic Initiatives.  His research is focused on childhood obesity prevention, school and community health, and the reduction of health disparities. He has special interest in identifying effective policy and system approaches to increasing physical activity and healthy eating in children and has published numerous peer-reviewed article on these topics. He has led or contributed to funded grants totaling over $13M from federal and state agencies, foundations, and not-for-profit organizations.