Our Commitment to Public Health Leadership

Vision

The program envisions a world where all communities thrive in health and equity. Through excellence in education, research, and evidence-based practice, we prepare and inspire public health leaders whose work transforms systems, reduces disparities, and creates lasting conditions for health and well-being for all.

Mission

To prepare future public health leaders with the skills required to address today’s population health challenges through the provision of high-quality teaching and mentoring, scholarly activities, service, and community based projects, and to promote health, protect communities, and prevent adverse health events and illness.

Values

The program is grounded in the belief that to be most effective, public health practitioners should receive formal training in the core concepts of public health. We also follow the standards set forth by the Council on Education for Public Health to ensure excellence in public health education. This educational program prepares public health practitioners to meet the diverse challenges of public health locally, nationally, and globally.

Accreditation

The Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Graduates of CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health are equipped with the population health skills to address the world’s most pressing health issues.CEPH Accreditation Logo

As part of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) reaccreditation process, Westminster University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program participated in a third-party comment period that provided students, alumni, faculty, staff, community partners, and members of the public an opportunity to share feedback directly with CEPH. Following completion of the self-study, site visit, and review process, the MPH program was granted continued CEPH accreditation for an additional seven years (2025–2032), reaffirming the program's commitment to excellence in public health education and workforce preparation.

Thank You to Our Donor

The program is made possible through a very generous donation to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences by philanthropist The Very Reverend Fredrick "Rick" Quinney Lawson. Rev. Lawson has been a long-time supporter of Westminster. He was integrally involved in the creation of the Emma Eccles Jones Center for Nursing and Heath Sciences, which was funded by his great aunt, Emma Eccles Jones' Foundation. As a reverend at St. Marks Cathedral in Salt Lake, Rev. Lawson is uniquely tied to the university since Westminster's nursing program conducts their annual pinning ceremony there. In 2003, he was presented an honorary degree from the university for his genuine concern for the community. We continue to honor Rev. Lawson for his contributions to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Learn from Public Health Leaders and Practitioners

Westminster's MPH faculty are more than instructors, they are public health practitioners, researchers, and leaders who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Drawing from work with health departments, healthcare systems, community organizations, and national and international public health initiatives, faculty provide personalized mentorship and practical insights that prepare students for leadership roles in public health.

Meet the Faculty

John Contreras, Ph.D

John Contreras, Ph.D


Professor

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Jonas D'Andrea, Ph.D

Jonas D'Andrea, Ph.D


Professor

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Rachel Forrest

Rachel Forrest


Adjunct

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Colette McAfee, Ph.D

Colette McAfee, Ph.D


Associate Professor-Mph

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Contact

For questions and information related to admissions, contact the Graduate Admissions Office. For questions and information related to the Master of Public Health program, contact Josh Fisher, graduate programs coordinator for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.