Beginning My Journey as Your Dean
Dear Colleagues,
Today I begin my journey as the 12th dean of the Johns ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½. I am grateful that the search committee and University leadership saw something in me and my vision for the School. In the coming months, I look forward to sharing that vision and my ideas with you and seeking your ideas and input so that we can move our mission forward together, guided by a shared purpose and vision for what is possible.
For now, I want you to know that I applied to be your dean for three reasons.
First, I love the School. I earned my PhD here and was recruited to the faculty in Health Policy and Management in 2006. The School and its people have shaped my career and my life, and I have seen firsthand our impact across the globe. To lead the School through one of its most difficult periods is a privilege and an honor. I am confident that, together, our community can meet the challenges ahead.
Second, I love public health. My desire to improve the world and my commitment to prevention and eliminating health disparities led me to this field. Now, we are witnessing unprecedented cuts to global and national programs, reductions in the public health workforce, and rapid changes in policy. At this critical moment for the public’s health, our School has an opportunity to examine both the flaws and the strengths of our old systems and efforts. We can be at the forefront of reimagining public health and building a better future for all.
Third, I feel called to lead. My grandmother often reminded me that I was made for a purpose. I see being your dean as an extraordinary opportunity to lean into my purpose. I believe that good leadership is about vision and strategy—but also about building others up, bringing people together, and finding ways for all of us to thrive.
I am proud to acknowledge that my appointment as dean is history-making. I am the first Black person to lead the School since its founding in 1916. Dean MacKenzie, as the first woman to be our dean, is a trailblazer. I am honored to follow her as only the second woman to lead the School. When my appointment was announced, I received many warm messages from the University community. Some who had worked at the School for decades shared their joy that the seemingly impossible had become real. I will carry their hopes with me as we continue to pursue optimal health and well-being for people everywhere.
I look forward to sharing more about myself and my ideas in the weeks and months to come. Here is a to begin that process.
Partnership and collaboration are core values for me and for the School, and I want to stress the importance of being together in-person to build community, strengthen ties, and spur ideas. We need each other now more than ever. Please reach out with your ideas and know that, together, we can thrive through this difficult season for public health.
I invite you to join me on this journey and to get ready for all that we will accomplish. If we think boldly, move strategically, and act with purpose and passion, we will achieve what may now seem impossible.
Sincerely,
Keshia
Keshia Pollack Porter, PhD ’06, MPH
Dean
Bloomberg Centennial Professor
Johns ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½
P.S. I invite you toand what’s happening at the School on LinkedIn.