Reflecting on the 2025 Undergraduate Network Leaders Retreat

ASPPH proudly hosted its second annual Undergraduate Network Leaders Retreat last week in Los Angeles, CA. The retreat brought together Associate and Assistant Deans and Directors of undergraduate public health programs from across the country. It provided a valuable opportunity for leaders to connect with peers, exchange promising practices, and consider the future of undergraduate education in public health.

The week featured an inspiring keynote by Dr. Tom Frieden, who shared insights from his book, The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives - Including Your Own. Frieden reminded attendees that "the biggest changes come from small changes to lots of people," and encouraged resilience in the face of today's public health challenges.

Participants also benefited from engaging discussions led by co-hosts, Dr. Kyle McJunkin, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and Dr. Ted Gideonse, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, who emphasized the importance of reflecting on institutional strengths and challenges and building partnerships to support thriving undergraduate networks.

ASPPH extends special thanks to our hosts at UCLA Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health and UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health for making this year's retreat possible.