The USF College of Public Health (COPH) community gathered on Sept. 26 for the 2025 State of the College Address—Dean Sten H. Vermund’s first since joining the college. Speaking to faculty, staff, students and alumni, Vermund reflected on the college’s accomplishments, recognized outstanding contributors and outlined strategic priorities for the year ahead.
This year’s address, themed People, Passion, Potential, celebrated the COPH community as the foundation and driving force behind the college’s continued success.
Vermund began by recognizing the more than 540 “COPH Bulls” who make up the college this fall, including 100 faculty members, 206 staff, 191 student employees and 43 adjunct instructors.
He also took time to honor long-serving faculty and staff members for their dedication and impact, including retirees Dr. Skai Schwartz, Dr. Donna Haiduven, Kay White, and Ellen Kent.
The presentation highlighted major achievements across teaching, research and service.
Faculty were recognized for national and international honors, such as Dr. Judith Rijnhart receiving the American College of Epidemiology’s (ACE) Early Career Epidemiologist Award, Dr. Karen Liller’s Excellence in Climate Leadership Award from APHA and Dr. Jason Salemi’s Outstanding Mentorship Award from ACE. Student and alumni successes were also featured, including national research awards and recognition from professional organizations.
Among the college’s accomplishments, Vermund noted the COPH’s continued growth in academic excellence, with over 81,000 student credit hours taught last year and a 96 percent CPH pass rate. Undergraduate programs expanded with a new concentration in health simulation, and new degrees in physical rehabilitation and nutrition sciences, while faculty launched new initiatives to enhance research engagement and student support.
In research, the COPH secured $30.8 million in awards, with students playing an increasingly active role in scholarly work—32 received SHARP awards and 62 participated in USF Health Research Day. Strategic investment awards this year supported innovative projects in health policy, disaster response, maternal health and data analysis.
Vermund also acknowledged both challenges and opportunities within the college’s $72.3 million budget, emphasizing steady undergraduate growth and renewed focus on grant acquisition to offset funding losses. “Our potential is fueled by grit, ingenuity and passion,” he said, underscoring a commitment to accountability, collaboration and growth.
Looking forward, Vermund outlined several key goals: strengthening identity and direction through faculty input, preparing for the upcoming CEPH reaccreditation visit in June 2026, fostering team science and research infrastructure, increasing recognition for faculty and staff and expanding philanthropic outreach. He also announced plans to launch a COPH Public Health Forum series to encourage evidence-based discussion on pressing health topics, with the first scheduled for Nov. 13 on the fluoridation of drinking water.
The address concluded with an invitation for the community to share feedback for the inaugural COPH magazine, which will highlight the college’s accomplishments and vision for the future.
“This college thrives because of its people—their passion for discovery, their commitment to service and their belief in the power of public health to improve lives,” Vermund said.