Our mission is to improve the quality of life for West Virginians and all who call Appalachia home. And we don’t take the word “all” lightly. We strive to create a respectful, inclusive environment that is open and welcoming to everyone – from within our School to the various communities and populations we serve.

What Makes Us Who We Are

In light of the coronavirus pandemic and inequalities in healthcare, public health is on our minds now more than ever. Bernadine Kwan wants to use her education to create positive health policies for underserved individuals.

Health policy is the one field that can seriously impact large groups of people on every level. It impacts all instances of life and good policy can help alleviate struggles for people.
Read Bernadine Kwan’s Story

Bernadine Kwan

Alumni, Class of 2021 Master of Public Health Read Bernadine Kwan’s Story

Our Students

Of the 13 states that make up the Appalachian Region, West Virginia is the only state where all 55 counties are classified as Appalachian. Prompted by unique social determinants of health, among other guiding factors, our priority populations include rural, first-generation students, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ populations and veterans.

 

 

6 countries represented 19 states represented 33 WV counties represented

what makes us who we are?

Guided by our values – community engagement, collaboration, equity, integrity, respect and accountability – our vision is to create a safer, healthier world. To that end, our students benefit from a diverse range of experiences that include exceptional internship, research and service-learning opportunities.

Our ongoing commitment to recruit and retain underrepresented minority faculty and students, create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ and/or minority individuals and incorporate a social justice framework throughout our curriculum is central to our efforts.

Learn how the WVU Health Sciences is fostering a more inclusive environment.

78% identify as female

21% identify as minority

21% identify as first-generation

Racism is a public health crisis that needs our attention now.

Public health is the promotion and protection of the health of all people. But racism is an obstruction to protecting the health of minority populations.

Learn How to Make a Difference