 Terri,
Program Director,
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
UM SPH Degree: M.P.H. 1983, Health Management and Policy
Other Degree: B. S. 1979, Community Health & School Health, York College/City University of New York
Why did you choose the University of Michigan School of Public Health?
Its national ranking was very important to me. The national reputation of the faculty was equally important. And finally, I was offered a tuition scholarship.
What are the benefits/challenges for a MPH professional in a foundation?
This depends on the foundation. The benefit for me is that I am in a foundation that has had a strong long-term multi-faceted relationship with the public health discipline so I entered a legacy. My practice philosophy is based in a broad inclusive definition of public health so I fit in pretty easily. There a few SPH/MPH alums in the foundation world. I hope you will reach out to them as well.
The challenge is a universal one – not unique to foundations – it’s the indelible issue of people [outside of public health] not knowing what “it” is.
Why did you decide to pursue Ph.D. in the field of public health?
I always intended to complete this academic journey so the question was “when” not “if”. The timing was right and the research areas of the faculty in HBHE were very inviting. I have also had a very rewarding and gratifying public health career that I plan to continue after graduation. I have found that a public health degree has universal applicability throughout the social sciences.
What advice would you give to a student looking for an internship in public health?
Take the time to determine the skill set you wish to develop or the objectives you wish to fulfill through the internship. Clearly articulate that. Then use that as the guide for pursuing the specific internship opportunity – most internship prospects do not take the time to sort this out with the intern. Clarity in your goal and objectives will increase the likelihood of finding a rewarding internship with a memorable experience.
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