People sit in rows of chairs in an auditorium.
The School of Public Health at Augusta University's annual Welcome Back and Orientation event brought together new and returning faculty, staff and students. [Hannah Litteer/Augusta University]

New school year, new growth for AU’s School of Public Health

Avatar photoHannah Litteer2 min readAugust 27, 2026

New and familiar faces in Augusta University’s School of Public Health gathered to ring in the new academic year with the annual Welcome Back and Orientation Event.

The school has nearly 300 students enrolled this semester, an increase of more than 150% since the school’s creation. This includes dual-degree students with the Medical College of Georgia and Dental College of Georgia.

There are 47 full- and part-time faculty members this year compared to 41 last year and 56 staff members (including research-funded staff) compared to 54 last year. 

“These numbers reflect the continued growth and momentum of our school as we expand our impact and strengthen our academic community. As we continue on this exciting trajectory, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences, fostering academic excellence and preparing our students to become leaders in public health and related fields,” said Jie Chen, PhD, SPH professor and associate dean for academic and student affairs.

During the event, each person in attendance – students, faculty and staff alike – had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share a bit about their public health passions. 

Representatives from Career Services and the Center for Writing Excellence also provided information about the many resources and support services they offer students. 

A woman speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
Moments from the Welcome Back and Orientation Event. [Hannah Litteer/Augusta University]
Two men sitting in seats in an auditorium smile at the camera.
A woman speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A woman speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A man speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A man and a woman smile at the camera.
A man sits in a seat in an auditorium.
A row of people sit in seats in an auditorium and smile.
A woman speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A man holding a microphone stands in a row of people in an auditorium and laughs.
A woman speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A woman speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A woman leans against a chair in an auditorium.
A man speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A man speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A man speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A person speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
Men and woman sit in chairs in an auditorium and listen to a speaker.
A man speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A woman stands at a table with a cloth that reads "Augusta University School of Public Health" and smiles.
Two women sit in chairs in a row in an auditorium and listen to a speaker.
A man sits in a chair in an auditorium and smiles.
A man and a woman sit beside each other in a row in an auditorium and listen to a speaker.
A man stands in a row in an auditorium and looks pensively at the front of the room.
A woman speaks into a microphone in an auditorium.
A man holding a microphone looks at a women standing in front of him.

“It was incredible to feel the amazing energy in the room at our welcome back event! I felt a real sense of optimism from our students, faculty and staff that tells me this is going to be an unforgettable year,” said SPH Dean Teresa Waters, PhD. “I’m so inspired by everyone’s enthusiasm and I can’t wait to see the impact we’ll make together in public health.”

The synergy created within the school is driven largely by the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff and students working together to advance the school’s mission of solving Georgia’s public health challenges through outstanding education, innovative research and meaningful community partnerships. 

The growth SPH has seen since its inception in 2023 continues to help expand its reach and provide essential services to communities that need it most. 

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