Beginning on August 24th, fall classes will begin at MTSU and we will kickoff another year of growth.
Mark you calendar, as Homecoming 2026 has been announced for Saturday, November 7th!
On the pages to follow you will find updates pertaining to our program, information about alumni events, homecoming details, links to public health jobs, and more!
25 Public Health Students Attending TPHA Meeting
30 Public Health Advocacy Student Letters to Congress
This year’s National Public Health Week took place from April 6 -12 with the theme of “Ready. Set. Action!” This year’s events included participation from over 200 students, faculty, and community members! th th
Events planned by students this year included a social mixer, letter writing to congress pop-up, and a community networking lunch with local non-profit organizations.
19 New Alumni Spring & Summer Graduates RUTHERFORD COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
Last March our program hosted more than 100 local high schoolers to give them a snapshot of public health careers during a half-day event.
Led by our faculty, the event provided handson learning opportunities and discussions about the growing importance of public health in today’s information-driven world
What a spring it has been for our undergraduate program!
Students connected with public health professionals at the TPHA Grand Division Meeting, became involved in faculty-led research through their coursework, and presented their work during MTSU's Scholars Week Symposium and Exposition. We also celebrated our largest spring undergraduate enrollment since 2022 and are excited to welcome another outstanding class of freshmen and transfer students this fall.
We're also making focused updates to the BSPH curriculum to better prepare students for today's public health workforce Our Student Ambassador Program continues to thrive, and we're excited to be developing a dual-credit pathway for our Introduction to Health Professions course with local school districts.
-Dr. Kahler Stone, Undergraduate Coordinator
Following last year’s momentum, the Master of Public Health program has seen a 55% increase in newly enrolled students for the 2026 cohort. These students bring a diverse set of backgrounds and work experiences to the learning environment within our program. Additionally, our graduate programs will be well represented at TPHA this fall. Four MPH students and two PhD students will be presenting in September, as well as a handful of program alumni.
-Dr Angie Bowman, Graduate Coordinator
The Public Health Program Community Advisory Board (CAB) brings together leaders from various public health sectors to guide the continued growth of our programs. Meeting once each semester, the CAB provides valuable feedback on curriculum, workforce needs, student opportunities, and community partnerships. The board is chaired by Sarah Murfree, PhD, MCHES, CPS, Executive Director of Prevention Coalition for Success, and includes professionals from across Middle Tennessee.
As a graduate of our CEPH Accredited program, you are eligible to take the Certified in Public Health Exam by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential is the only credential of its kind for public health that demonstrates not only your knowledge of key public health sciences, but also your commitment to the field through continuing education focused on emerging and established public health issues The CPH credential distinguishes you as a public health professional at the cutting edge of an ever-evolving field.
If you are a TDH employee, attaining this certification gives you a 5% salary increase!
Explore this certification
Nominations are currently open for the 2026 Public Health Early Career Awards!
This award recognizes recent graduates of the BS in Public Health, Master of Public Health, and PhD in Public Health programs who have demonstrated excellence in their early careers.
Awardees are honored for their significant contributions to public health through professional growth, community impact, research, leadership, or innovative projects.
To be eligible, alumni must have graduated within the last five years. Nominations will close on September 11th.
Submit your nominations
DR. ANDREW OWUSU
andrew owusu@mtsu edu
DR. BETHANY WRYE
bethany.wrye@mtsu.edu
DR. ANGIE BOWMAN angie bowman@mtsu edu
DR. CHANDRA STORY
chandra.story@mtsu.edu
DR. BEV CLANTON
bev.clanton@mtsu.edu
DR. KAHLER STONE kahler.stone@mtsu.edu
CHIPPER SMITH
chipper.smith@mtsu.edu
DR. KRISTI STRINGER
KATY STONE katy.stone@mtsu.edu
kristi.stringer@mtsu.edu DR. LISA SCHRADER
shannon.josey@mtsu.edu
lisa.schrader@mtsu.edu
