Health

Paul Halverson, Dean of Fairbanks School of Public Health, Departing in 2024 

Paul Halverson, who holds a doctorate in public health and is the founding dean of the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, will begin a new position in Oregon on Feb. 1, 2024. 

The Fairbanks School of Public Health was launched in September 2012 in part through a $20 million grant from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. Halverson joined in 2013 as founding dean. He was attracted to the position because of the opportunity to bridge academic work and practice at a school that set out to truly make a difference in public health.  

During his decade-long tenure in the position, Halverson shaped the direction of the school, spearheading efforts to recruit faculty, establish new degree programs and enhance community health research. “It’s been terrific to have been able to assemble top-notch team leaders, faculty and staff who are really dedicated to the work we’re doing,” Halverson said. 

In addition to this work, Halverson cited building partnerships as one of the most fundamental aspects of his work as founding dean, saying “one of the things I’m most proud of is that the Fairbanks School of Public Health is regarded by our health colleagues as a partner.” From collaborating with Dr. Virginia Caine, the director of the Marion County Public Health Department, to working with multiple state health commissioners and statewide associations for local boards of health and hospitals, Halverson was instrumental in developing these lasting partnerships on behalf of the School. 

The Fairbanks School of Public Health has built a long-term roadmap for the future, having dedicated itself to developing public health policy recommendations in addition to specific research and projects in areas including tobacco and COVID-19. 

As he departs from his position, Halverson is confident the Fairbanks School of Public Health will continue its work to strengthen the public health system in Indiana, for the benefit of all Hoosiers. “Regardless of where you live, every person in Indiana deserves to be served by a fully functioning public health system that helps to create the conditions under which people can live a full and healthy life.” 

We thank Paul Halverson for his leadership of the School over the past decade, and we wish him all the best in his new position as dean and professor at the School of Public Health at Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University. 

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