Strategic Planning 2020-25

Markers and large sheet of paper with handwritten text

New challenges in public health continue to emerge. As a flagship school of public health, it’s vital to have an up-to-date plan that reflects current realities in the field and that maps to the School’s great strengths. A good strategic plan sets priorities, helps determine how to allocate resources, and reminds us of who we are, what we’re good at, and what we’re trying to achieve.

The School’s current strategic plan, launched in 2012, expires in 2020. To help us craft a new strategic plan, we hired Pyramid Communications to serve as our partner and appointed a Steering Committee of stakeholders from across the School and community. After an academic year of collecting information through surveys, focus groups and interviews, and reaching out for ideas and feedback across the School, the 2020-25 Strategic Plan is nearly complete! Stay tuned for a final document to be posted soon.

In the meantime, see the slides below for an overview of outcomes in five key result areas: 1) Education for leadership and transformation, 2) Methods to research to practice continuum, 3) Collective culture of meaningful change, 4) Equity, justice and anti-racism and 5) Reputation and visibility.

Our Strategic Planning North Star? UW School of Public Health tackles the greatest health challenges in our region and around the world. Our groundbreaking discoveries are fueled by rigorous science and equity-driven solutions. Our students are leaders who emerge prepared to work in partnership with communities to improve the health of all people.  

Dean Hilary Godwin has appointed the following members to the SPH Strategic Planning Committee:

Jared Baeten (Chair), vice dean for strategy, faculty affairs and new initiatives (SPH alum)
Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, associate professor, epidemiology (SPH alum)
Alison Fohner, assistant professor, epidemiology (SPH alum)
Amanda Phipps, associate chair and associate professor, epidemiology (SPH alum)
Charles Stevens, SPH dean’s advisory board
Emily Allen, program manager, START
Esi Nkyekyer, clinical assistant professor, environmental & occupational health sciences (SPH alum)
Helena Archer, MPH student, epidemiology
India Ornelas, associate professor, health services (SPH alum)
Jennifer Nelson, senior investigator and director of biostatistics, Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (SPH alum)
Jo Gallaugher, director of business and management strategy, health services
Jon Wakefield, professor, biostatistics
Joseph Babigumira, associate professor, global health
Linda Ko, associate professor, health services
Liz Kirk, associate director, nutritional sciences program and senior lecturer, epidemiology (SPH alum)
Jacqueline Valdez Gonzalez, student, public health-global health major
Mike Yost, chair and professor, environmental & occupational health sciences
Nancy Simcox, director, continuing education programs, environmental & occupational health sciences
Noah Simon, associate professor, biostatistics
Paj Nandi, community relations and health equity director, Washington State Department of Health
Patricia (Patty) Pavlinac, assistant professor, global health (SPH alum)
Patty Hayes, director, Public Health – Seattle & King County
Sarah Cave, director, MHA program and senior lecturer, health services (SPH alum)
Sarah McCarthy, PeaceHealth
Tim Thornton, associate professor, biostatistics

James Pfeiffer (ex-officio), chair, faculty council and professor of global health
Juanita Ricks (ex-officio), assistant dean for students
Megan Ingram (ex-officio), assistant dean for advancement
Victoria Gardner (ex-officio), assistant dean for equity, diversity and inclusion
Uli Haller (ex-officio), assistant dean for finance and administration

Kimberly Hay, manager of strategic initiatives, office of the dean

Strategic planning phases

Phase 1: Initial Kick Off

(Sep-Oct)

  • Department Chair Roundtable
  • Steering Committee Lunch

Phase 2: Stakeholder Research

(Oct-Dec)

  • SPH Executive Meeting
  • Department Meetings
  • SPH Advisory Board Meetings
  • Department Chair One-on-Ones
  • All-School Meeting
  • Stakeholder Interviews
  • All-Stakeholder Survey

Phase 3: Research Briefing & Input

(Dec-Jan)

  • Steering Committee Briefing
  • Core Team Briefing

Phase 4: Plan Development

(Jan-Apr)

  • Planning Retreat(s)
  • Open Strategy Session
  • Working Group Meetings
  • Plan Integration & Review

Phase 5: Plan Vetting & Feedback

(May-Jun)

  • All-School Meetings
  • Interviews with Key Stakeholders
  • Core Team Meeting
  • Finalize Plan & Celebrate

Pyramid Communications is a Seattle-based strategy and communications firm that has worked with institutions of higher education and in public health throughout its 26-year history. Their clients have included the UW College of the Environment, the Burke Museum, the Pacific Science Center and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The project team working with the UW School of Public Health includes Anne Tillery, senior strategic advisor, Denise Rhiner, project lead, Josh Daniel, strategic advisor, and Carly McCarthy, project manager.