MCPHS Presidents Newsletter January 2026

ELEVATING INTEGRATIVE HEALTH TO PROMOTE WELLBEING

DEAR MCPHS COMMUNITY,

As we enter the new year and welcome our returning and new students, it is a great time to reflect on the vision of our proud University: “Empowering our Community to create a healthier, more equitable world.”

As a leader in health and life sciences education, this is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that we are an institution that is passionately dedicated to advancing the science and principles of health and wellbeing.

Through research and scholarly activity, we are pursuing excellence, constantly searching for ways to innovate and evolve. We are embracing wellness, uncovering ways to promote our individual and collective health and wellbeing so we, as leaders, educators, and healthcare providers, can do the same for the communities we serve. These wellness principles are embedded across our campuses in the classroom, in our professional lives, and in our culture.

We are enhancing existing programs, expanding our reach into new fields and disciplines, and exploring numerous opportunities for growth. We are also developing new programs and pursuing innovative formats to reach more aspiring health and life sciences professionals around the world. The recent opening of the Acupuncture Treatment Center in Boston and the launch of our newest Center for Excellence—our Center for Health and Wellbeing—are just some of the most recent examples of our unwavering commitment to promote wellness among our Community.

We will continue to engage, collaborate, and innovate with other organizations, experts, and thought leaders to affirm and strengthen our position as a leader in health and life sciences education. In harmony with this ambitious mission, we must always remain grounded in our core values, which have carried us for more than 200 years: compassion, inclusion, support, respect, and kindness.

This issue of “Our Story” celebrates our accomplishments and provides a glimpse into our path forward. As you explore the following pages, I hope you are inspired and excited for what this next chapter in our storied history will hold. We should all be very proud. M

ELEVATING INTEGRATIVE HEALTH TO PROMOTE WELLBEING

The strength and success of the MCPHS Community is correlated with the wellbeing of each of its members. Wellbeing is a multifaceted concept, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. The University is elevating integrative health to promote wellness among students, faculty, and staff. Explore the new resources, care services, and programs that are embedding principles of wellness into campus culture and academic programs.

CREATING A CULTURE OF WELLNESS

THE CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING is one of the University’s newer Centers for Excellence, created to promote overall wellness among MCPHS Community members. The University believes that doing so will allow students, faculty, and staff to reach their fullest potential. The Office of the Provost, Human Resources, and Counseling Services have partnered to empower and support students, faculty, and staff on their wellness journeys.

“The goal of the Center is to provide opportunities for our students, staff, and faculty to participate in activities they choose in their whole-person and integrative health and wellbeing journeys,” said Kevin Dolan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Anna Morin, Associate Provost, and Molly Payne, Executive Director of Counseling Services. “The Center for Health and Wellbeing website provides access to resources that encompass physical health, emotional wellbeing, social connections, and personal and professional development.”

From sleep and relaxation programming to physical fitness and mindfulness activities, the Center cultivates resources and promotes initiatives to support a culture of wellness.

ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE TO BOSTON

AS PART OF a major campus transformation, the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) opened a state-of-the-art Acupuncture Treatment Center, bringing traditional Chinese medicine treatments to students, faculty, and staff in Boston. Community members can make appointments, during which NESA student interns—under the supervision of expert faculty—will work with patients to make a care plan.

“The Boston Community has embraced NESA’s presence with genuine enthusiasm,” said Dr. Dennis Moseman, Dean of NESA. “The Treatment Center is becoming a trusted space for healing and connection.

Patients consistently share how supported, relaxed, and empowered they feel after their treatment. Integrative approaches like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine complement conventional care and help MCPHS Community members take an active role in their own wellness.”

The Acupuncture Treatment Center is designed to be a clean and modern yet calming space for healing.

For 50 years, NESA has been a leader and innovator in acupuncture practice and education. The Treatment Center marks a new chapter in the school’s history, bringing restorative healthcare services to more Community members and bringing the acupuncture profession to a second campus.

EXPLORING INTEGRATIVE HEALTH IN THE CLASSROOM

AS A LEADER IN HEALTH and life sciences education, MCPHS must embed integrative health principles in its academic programs. Currently, 15 programs across all campuses offer integrative health courses as part of the core curriculum, required for minors, or electives for students to explore.

“Early on in our programs, students apply integrative health principles while learning to collaborate across health sciences fields in various team-based settings,” said Dr. Caroline Zeind, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Through our collaborations with leading healthcare organizations across the country and the globe, MCPHS faculty ensure that our integrative health courses incorporate real-world experiences that are well-aligned with evolving workforce needs.”

There are dozens of courses available, covering selfcare, nutrition, mental health, stress reduction, wellness, mindfulness, and more. They allow students to broaden their expertise, develop new skills, and gain a holistic perspective of their roles as healthcare professionals, unlocking new career opportunities and setting them up for long-term success. M

EMBRACING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Integrative health is a holistic approach to wellness that any MCPHS Community member can explore and employ. The University is embracing opportunities to provide integrative health knowledge, resources, and initiatives for students, faculty and staff, furthering the Community’s shared vision of creating a healthier, more equitable world for all.

NEW STUDENT SUCCESS SPACE IN BOSTON

BIG BOOST FOR LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE TRAINING

THE UNIVERSITY HAS RECEIVED a Pathmaker grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to launch a new Quality Assurance/Quality Control training program in Worcester. In partnership with Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, the program will begin in the fall and prepare local residents for entry-level biomanufacturing roles. M

NEW PATHWAYS, BIG OPPORTUNITIES

MCPHS AND WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (WPI) signed a new agreement creating dual-degree and fast-track pathways linking undergraduate and graduate programs in pharmacy, biotechnology, molecular biology, life sciences, data science, and biomedical engineering. The partnership streamlines cross-institutional transitions and expands opportunities for students in Worcester’s growing biotech and health sciences sectors. M

THE THIRD FLOOR of the Matricaria Building has transformed into the new home of the Career Development Center and the Center for Academic Success and Enrichment. The fully renovated, 6,000-square-foot space includes private and group study spaces, offices, and a conference room. Students can seek tutoring services, academic coaching, career advising, and more by making an appointment in the Student Success Hub. M

STUDENTS TO SOLVE HEALTH CHALLENGE IN HACKATHON

THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY AND THE SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY , in partnership with the Massachusetts eHealth Institute, launched the Hack the Health Gap Innovation Hackathon. Twenty-five students from 16 MCPHS programs will work in teams to develop innovative, technology-based solutions to challenges identified by local community health centers. The hackathon kicked off in November, and teams of students will pitch their ideas in April. M

HYBRID ONLINE PHARMD

PATHWAY LAUNCHES NEXT FALL

THE SCHOOL OF PHARMACY is launching a new online Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. This accelerated, innovative program is primarily completed online. It also includes immersions on the Manchester, NH campus, in-person experiential education, and rotations. The program is now enrolling for the fall. M

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES BOARD EXAM SUCCESS

98% OF GRADUATES FROM the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)—Accelerated program passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination on the first attempt. All 114 members of the Class of 2025 who took the exam ultimately passed. M

TWO SCHOOLS GAIN REACCREDITATION APPROVAL

THE FORSYTH SCHOOL OF DENTAL HYGIENE in Boston and Worcester was approved for accreditation for the next seven years, the maximum time frame possible. The School of Occupational Therapy also received reaccreditation for the maximum time frame of 10 years. M

NEW ONLINE DEGREE, NEW POSSIBILITIES

THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES has launched a part-time, fully online Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences. The program provides adult learners with a flexible path to higher education, equipping them with the skills needed for careers in the expanding biopharmaceutical and life sciences industries while managing other responsibilities. M

PUBLIC HEALTH FACULTY APPOINTED JOURNAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR

DR. LINDSAY TALLON is Associate Editor of the “Journal of Public Health Management and Practice.” The bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal publishes a range of population health topics and research, including infectious disease surveillance, environmental health, chronic disease prevention, and more. M

NUCLEAR MEDICINE’S TOP AWARD

DR. DAVID GILMORE , Director of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program, took home the SNMMI-TS Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a 32-year career spent energizing nuclear medicine education around the world. His leadership has helped the program soar, equipping MCPHS graduates to thrive in a fast-evolving clinical landscape and a growing workforce. M

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY PHARMACY

DR. LAURA DALY will represent MCPHS on the Academia-Community Transformation (ACT) Pharmacy Collaborative, an initiative by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Dr. Daly will work with pharmacy leaders across the country to transform community-based pharmacy practice from a product-based model to a community-based care delivery model. M

TREATING FACULTY AND STAFF TO FOOD AND FUN

THE UNIVERSITY hosted cookouts for faculty and staff on all three campuses to ring in the start of the new academic year. Employees gathered on a summer afternoon to enjoy classic cookout foods and good company. M

AN ENERGIZED RESEARCH DAY IN MANCHESTER

STUDENTS ON THE MANCHESTER CAMPUS brought energy and creativity to the second annual Research and Scholarship event on November 20, sharing projects on pharmacy closures, Gen Z learning in PA education, and occupational therapy’s role in menstrual support. The showcase celebrated student curiosity, collaboration, and the fresh ideas shaping healthcare’s future. M

A NEW HOME FOR THE

CENTER FOR CAMPUS LIFE

THE CENTER FOR CAMPUS LIFE (CCL) offices in Boston can now be found at One Palace Road, Suite 204. In addition to staff and student leadership offices, there are collaborative spaces available for Community members to use. The CCL team has an open-door policy and encourages students to visit or ask questions about leadership opportunities, resources, and more. M

OPTOMETRY STUDENTS JOIN COOPERVISION LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

DANIELLE O’HAZO, OD ‘27, AND CAROLYN LY, OD ‘27 , have been selected for CooperVision’s Student Leadership Society. The program provides educational and professional development opportunities to optometry students across the country, including a grant to attend the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting. They’ll also connect with peers and industry leaders from across the country. M

A GENEROUS GIFT TO FURTHER STUDENT SUCCESS

THE UNIVERSITY has received a generous gift from the Lucile and Bill Hicks Opportunity Fund, which invests in the education and professional development of first-generation students in Massachusetts, specifically those pursuing STEM fields. The funds will go toward

several student success initiatives, including a webbased mentoring program and a summer academic boot camp for new students. At the end of the boot camp, participants will receive a peer mentor as they begin their MCPHS career. M

WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

EVERY YEAR, the University welcomes new students from across the globe to the MCPHS Community. Receptions were held in Boston and Worcester to provide a warm and inclusive welcome to these incoming students. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and making connections with peers and faculty. M

FAMILY AND FRIENDS ENJOY THE BOSTON CAMPUS

IN OCTOBER, MCPHS invited guests to the Boston campus for Family Weekend. The event featured a range of activities, including bingo, brunch, a Cardinal Mic night, a performance of “Hamilton” at the Citizen Opera House, and a Fall Fest on campus. Students and their families and friends enjoyed spending time together and participating in the annual tradition. M

A WICKEDLY EXCITING HARVEST BALL

THIS YEAR’S HARVEST BALL theme was inspired by the blockbuster “Wicked” movies. More than 350 students and their guests—many dressed in green and pink semiformal wear—gathered at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza hotel on November 14 for an evening of dining, dancing, and celebrating. M

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PAS

DOZENS OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY from the School of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies visited Boston schools this fall to teach students about the PA profession. They visited six different classrooms to show students what PAs can do, like splinting an arm injury, performing CPR, or using an ultrasound machine. It was part of a national initiative from the PA Education Association, which recognized the MCPHS student organizers for their creativity and innovation in planning the school visits. M

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS TAKE STUDENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

STUDENTS REACHED NEW HORIZONS during the fall semester with study abroad programs. Students in the Global Comparative Healthcare Seminar course traveled to London, while a group of student volunteers spent 10 days in Morocco over the winter break. The spring semester will bring more opportunities, including a new global health course that includes a trip to Armenia. M

EXPANDING THE BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY

DOZENS OF MCPHS COMMUNITY MEMBERS joined the national stem cell donor registry during an event on the Worcester campus. The National Marrow Donor Program—formerly Be the Match—educated students, faculty, and staff about the registry. Participants also heard from a transplant recipient who shared a personal story about the lifesaving impact of stem cell donors. Thanks to this event, more than 55 volunteers joined the registry. M

KEEPING A NEW HAMPSHIRE BEACH CLEAN

THE MANCHESTER, NH chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) volunteered for two clean-up events at Hampton Beach with the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. In just a few hours, students picked up more than 200 pieces of trash. M

CLASS OF ’75 ROCKS AGAIN

THE BOSTON CAMPUS buzzed with nostalgia and laughter on October 18 as the Class of 1975 returned for their Golden Graduate Reunion. Alumni celebrated 50 years since graduation, explored the transformed campus, and were welcomed into the Golden Graduate Society, joining thousands of peers who earned their degrees more than half a century ago. M

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF NESA

ON NOVEMBER 13 , more than 100 New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) alumni and their guests gathered on the Boston campus to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary. “When I look around this room tonight, I see the heart and soul of NESA,” Dr. Dennis Moseman, Dean of NESA, told the crowd. Attendees hailed from 15 states and represented graduates from 1977 to 2025. The evening featured a cocktail hour, tours of the new Acupuncture Treatment Center, dinner, and dancing. M

CELEBRATING A QUARTER CENTURY OF WORCESTER

THE WORCESTER CAMPUS marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration on September 4, bringing together alumni, faculty, and friends to reflect on the campus’s growing role in the city. The milestone showcased the University’s evolution into a vibrant, multidisciplinary hub for 1,400 students and its deepening ties to the Worcester community. M

DENTAL HYGIENISTS GATHER FOR WILKINS SYMPOSIUM

THE FORSYTH SCHOOL OF DENTAL HYGIENE hosted the annual Esther Wilkins Symposium on the Boston campus on November 1. Dozens of dental hygiene professionals gathered for continuing education, professional development, and networking. Marianne Dryer, RDH, MEd, Class of 1983, received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. M

Artist Annika Mengwall, a Yale premedical student, presents a comic during the event.

PANELS, PICTURES, AND PATIENT PERSPECTIVES

NEARLY 200 ARTISTS , healthcare professionals, and students filled the Boston campus with creativity on October 24 for the New England Graphic Medicine Summit. Attendees dug into how comics and visual storytelling bring illness, healing, and patient experiences to life—showing how powerfully pictures can spark empathy and make healthcare feel more human. M

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS ENCOURAGE INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES were held on December 16 at the DCU Center in Worcester. The University celebrated graduates from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, the School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics, the School of Nursing, and the School of Physician Assistant Studies. “We have to break down silos for the benefit of our patients, our communities, and the world,” said Susan D’Anna, DNP ‘22, APRN-BC, in her alumni address to students. M