University of Michigan School of Public Health launches transformative 'Look to Michigan Public Health' campaign
Today, the University of Michigan School of Public Health launched its most ambitious fundraising initiative to date: the Look to Michigan Public Health campaign. This transformative effort aims to dramatically accelerate our impact on global public health challenges and cement our position as the premier public school of public health in the nation.
The campaign is part of the University of Michigan’s $7 billion Look to Michigan campaign, which merges philanthropic impact with the university’s innovative Vision 2034.
"The Look to Michigan Public Health campaign represents a pivotal moment not just for our school, but for the future of public health,” said F. DuBois Bowman, dean of Michigan Public Health. “With the support of our community, we will make a top-tier education possible for students from all backgrounds, train a larger public health workforce, produce more life-saving research, and lead the way in responding to the most pressing health challenges of our time. The impact of this campaign will be measured in lives saved and communities transformed."
Accelerating the school's impact
For over 80 years, Michigan Public Health has been at the forefront of advancing human health and potential. The school has trained more than 19,000 alumni who have gone on to become leaders in science, medicine, policy and advocacy. Researchers at Michigan Public Health pursue interdisciplinary and groundbreaking research, with more than $100 million in annual research expenditures—the highest per faculty member of any school or college at the University of Michigan. Throughout its history, Michigan Public Health has led critical responses to public health crises, from the announcement of the polio vaccine to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building on this strong foundation, the Look to Michigan Public Health campaign focuses on four key pillars that will dramatically amplify the school’s ability to create positive change:
1. Student Experience
We will recruit the brightest minds from diverse backgrounds, provide unparalleled educational experiences, and ensure access regardless of financial circumstances. By expanding scholarship offerings and enhancing experiential learning opportunities, we aim to build a robust, diverse public health workforce ready to tackle future challenges.
2. Innovation and Research
Our faculty conduct cutting-edge research across the spectrum of human experience. With increased support, we will push the boundaries of discovery in critical areas such as preventing firearm injuries, creating healthy and equitable cities, combating infectious diseases, building health equity, climate and health, and using AI to improve public health. This research will translate directly into policies and practices that save lives.
3. Engagement and Partnerships
We will expand our local and global partnerships, building on successful collaborations like the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center and our work in over 70 countries. These partnerships will allow us to drive meaningful change in communities across Michigan, the US, and around the globe.
4. Building Our Campuses
We will create modern, flexible spaces that foster innovation and collaboration. This investment in our physical infrastructure will ensure that we have state-of-the-art facilities to support the work of our world-class faculty and students.
A transformative goal
The campaign seeks to raise $150 million to support these critical initiatives. This unprecedented investment will allow us to:
- Double our scholarship offerings, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent talented students from pursuing public health careers
- Establish new research centers focused on emerging public health threats
- Launch innovative community partnership programs in underserved areas
- Create a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for public health innovation and collaboration
“Now more than ever, we need your support to recruit the best and brightest students from all backgrounds and train a large, diverse public health workforce to lead us into the future,” Bowman said. “Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable world for all.”
For a healthier future in a changing world, Look to Michigan Public Health
As we embark on this ambitious journey, we invite our entire community—alumni, friends,
partners, and supporters—to join us in creating a healthier, more equitable world
for all. Your support will empower us to recruit top talent, conduct life-changing
research, and prepare the next generation of public health leaders who will shape
the health landscape for decades to come. Together, we can build a healthier future
for all.
Learn more about the Look to Michigan Public Health campaign on our website.
Media Contact
Andrea LaFerle
Director of Public Relations and MarketingUniversity of Michigan School of Public Health734-764-8094