Since 1969, our department has been a proud leader in healthcare and health policy education—recognized nationally for our innovation, impact, and commitment to excellence. Our top 20 ranking in U.S. News & World Report reflects decades of hard work, vision, and leadership. That legacy began with Walter Burnett, our founding chair, whose bold ideas helped shape the foundation we continue to build upon. Walter passed away earlier this year, and while we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the enduring influence of his leadership. I believe we remain true to his mission: to be at the forefront of healthcare and health policy education.
We’re thrilled to share that our MHA program was recently reaccredited by CAHME for a maximum of seven years, following a highly successful site visit. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni—and to our ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Our students continue to make us proud. This spring, 100% of our residential MHA graduates had secured job placements by March—two full months before graduation. That kind of success speaks volumes about the strength of our academic preparation and the power of our professional network.
Of course, we’re not immune to the challenges facing higher education. Declining birthrates, rising costs, and growing skepticism about the value of a college degree have created headwinds for institutions across the country. Public health, too, has faced its share of scrutiny and distrust. These realities demand not just reflection—but bold, forward-looking action.
At HPAM, we’re responding with purpose. Our past successes and reputation are not enough during these times. Our faculty have embraced this moment as an opportunity to evolve and strengthen our programs. We’ve made strategic investments and bold changes to ensure our students are not only prepared for the future—but empowered to shape it.
This spring, we expanded student development and networking opportunities in exciting ways. Nineteen MHA students attended the ACHE Congress on Leadership, engaging with national thought leaders and emerging trends. Eleven students traveled to Washington, D.C., for a three-day immersive experience with policy shapers—bringing classroom learning to life in the heart of our nation’s capital. Each trip included vibrant alumni events, where we welcomed more than 100 alumni in Chicago and over 40 in D.C. We have made an ongoing commitment to financially support our students for these opportunities introduce our soon-to-be alumni to the strength and reach of our Tulane community.
We’ve also completed a comprehensive review of our MHA and MPH curricula, guided by feedback from students, alumni, employers, and faculty. The result? Meaningful updates that include the integration of electronic health records into core courses, expanded training in policy formulation and advocacy, and enhanced instruction in problem-solving techniques for today’s health and healthcare challenges. These changes will give our students more hands-on experience with the tools and frameworks they’ll use in the field.
Looking ahead, we’ve launched an undergraduate minor in Health Administration and are actively developing a major in Health Management and Policy. This expansion reflects our commitment to cultivating a robust pipeline of future health leaders.
While recent federal executive orders limiting financial aid present yet another challenge for our program and prospective students, we remain confident that our proactive efforts and unwavering focus on quality, relevance, and student support will continue to underscore the value of a Tulane degree.
In times of uncertainty, our department remains steadfast in its mission: to educate, empower, and elevate the next generation of health professionals. The winds may be shifting—but our course is clear.
