Health Sciences Academic Unit Integrations

Dear Health Sciences colleagues,

We are writing to let you know about an upcoming organizational change within the Health Sciences. As the university positions itself for future success, it is adapting its organizational model in ways that reflect the mission and better serve our students while also enhancing opportunities for cross-collaboration in teaching, research and service.

In support of this goal, the university has decided to integrate the College of Health Sciences (COHS) within the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) as a new School of Health Professions and Global Medicine, effective July 1, 2025. This change will strengthen the partnership of both colleges across academic, clinical and community-engaged efforts, while aligning two vital aspects of our land-grant mission centered on advancing the health and well-being of our communities.

This integration builds on the colleges’ complementary missions and their many synergies – most notably greater incorporation of population health into clinical training, helping to develop professionals who are even stronger advocates for public health in Arizona. We believe these structural changes will also enrich the educational experience of our students by fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration between clinical and public health disciplines, as we work to grow the health care workforce in Arizona.

All of the existing programs within the current COHS will be integrated into MEZCOPH within the new School of Health Professions and Global Medicine. This change will not affect COHS student classes or course offerings in any way. Between now and July 1, leadership from the university and both colleges will work closely with faculty, staff and students to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.

We are confident this change will strengthen our collective impact and better position us to improve health and human potential by educating the next generation of health care professionals, investigating and solving critical health care problems, providing compassionate care, and building healthier communities in Arizona and beyond.

We are deeply grateful to the leadership, faculty, staff and students from both colleges for their dedication, flexibility and collaboration through this transition. As we come together, we remain committed to honoring the strengths of each community and look forward to building an even brighter future together.

Warm regards,

Michael D. Dake, MD
Senior Vice President, University of Arizona Health Sciences

Iman Hakim, MBBCh, PhD, MPH
Dean and Mel & Enid Zuckerman Endowed Chair in Public Health
Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences