JPHCOPH Receives National Accreditation

This summer’s accreditation of the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH) increases Georgia Southern’s ability to apply best practices in public health and healthcare systems to improve the health of rural communities in the state and around the globe.

The College received official notification in June that it had met the standards of the Council on Education for Public Health, making it one of only 48 schools and colleges of public health worldwide to have earned the distinction.

“This provides us with the opportunity to expand our impact on rural communities through external funding opportunities at the federal level – we were not eligible for some opportunities without the accreditation,” said Interim Dean Lynn Woodhouse.

“With the accreditation we also expect to attract even more exceptional students and faculty. We will compete on the national level. This should expand our number of fellowships for students and research opportunities for faculty.”

The College is focused on preventing health problems by promoting improved health outcomes; facilitating healthy lifestyles, communities and environments; developing and implementing effective policies; and, supporting the improvement of quality of the public health and healthcare systems.

In addition, the College focuses on community collaboration for workforce development, improving practice, providing service and expanding the quantity and quality of its rural health research.

The process of accreditation began in 1998, with the launch of two Master of Public Health programs developed by founding Dean Charles Hardy and entrepreneur and biostatistics professor Karl E. Peace. The University System Board of Regents considered growing concerns about healthcare inequities in rural Georgia and approved the establishment of the Jiann-Ping Hsu School of Public Health in 2004 as the first such school in the state.

Its founding was made possible through a donation by Peace in memory and honor of his late wife, Dr. Jiann-Ping Hsu. In 2006, the school transitioned to the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH).

Degree offerings include a Master of Public Health in biostatistics, community health, environmental health sciences, epidemiology or health policy and management; a Master of Healthcare Administration, and a Doctor of Public Health in biostatistics, public health leadership or community health behavior and education.