Dear SPH Community,

As the President and Provost announced this morning, I am stepping down as dean and leaving Brown at the end of this calendar year. My time here at Brown has been the most fulfilling and rewarding of my academic career. That is, quite simply, because of all of you. 

We have truly exceptional students, faculty, staff and alumni who are, every day, through their research, teaching, and translation, making the world a healthier, better place. We do this work because we care deeply about things that matter, and we do it in a spirit of collaboration and creativity that encourages disagreement, debate and dialogue. Your brilliance, dedication and tenacity have made it possible for our school to see incredible growth over the past five years. And you have fostered that growth while creating an environment that is vibrant, caring, challenging, and let's be honest – fun.

I am particularly grateful for the leadership of President Christina Paxson. She guided the creation of our school and has been central to its growth and success. Her vision for a world-class school of public health is what brought me to Brown in 2020, and her steady support — for me, for all of you, and for our shared mission — has guided us throughout the past five and a half years. I am especially grateful for her willingness to allow me to step away to serve at the White House in the middle of my tenure. 

In addition, our school has benefited from the outstanding support of the University’s academic and administrative leadership, including the Provost as well as my fellow deans and cabinet members. Their steadfast commitment to the mission and success of our school will continue to provide the foundation for future growth and vitality.  

Leaving a place you love is always hard, but I do so knowing that the state of our school is strong and it will continue to thrive and meet the challenges ahead. As professor, department chair and academic dean, Francesca Beaudoin is a thoughtful and decisive leader with an unwavering commitment to our school and its people. She is exceptionally well prepared to lead as interim dean and will be supported by the school’s outstanding senior leaders, department chairs and center directors.

While I will deeply miss being here at Brown, I am excited about my work ahead and am confident that I will cross paths with many of you. One thing I have learned here is that anytime you are facing a big public health challenge, you will always find people ready to find a solution. Brown has so many such people. Our students, faculty and alumni are always ready to lead to improve the health of all. 

Ever true,

Ashish Jha, M.D., MPH
Dean, Brown University School of Public Health