Dean Thomas LaVeist (6th from left) recently traveled to Ghana to meet with schools of public health in that country.
Dean Thomas LaVeist, PhD, of the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University, is leading a new initiative with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) to strengthen public health education worldwide. As past chair of the ASPPH Executive Board, LaVeist now heads a committee focused on mentoring international schools and programs—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—as they pursue accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Many institutions outside the United States aspire to meet CEPH’s rigorous standards and join ASPPH, the leading network of accredited public health schools and programs. These institutions have expressed a need for structured mentorship to navigate the complex accreditation process. Under LaVeist’s leadership, ASPPH is launching a formal mentoring program to meet that need and, in doing so, help build a stronger, more equitable global public health workforce.
“This initiative is about partnership and capacity-building,” LaVeist said. “By sharing expertise and resources, we can help emerging schools of public health prepare for CEPH accreditation and strengthen public health systems worldwide.”
A Global Mentorship Model
The initiative’s goal is to support the development of a competent public health workforce in low- and middle-income countries through mentorship and institutional collaboration.
The committee will begin by identifying up to four schools or programs of public health—starting with those on the African continent—that are interested in pursuing CEPH accreditation. Each institution will be paired with mentors drawn from ASPPH’s member community, including a consultant who will guide the mentorship process and coordinate activities.
Over six months, mentors will provide virtual consultations to help the institutions assess readiness, strengthen academic infrastructure, and align with CEPH standards. The team will also collaborate with regional public health associations to build partnerships at both the regional and global levels. I
In April 2026, representatives from participating institutions and mentors will meet in person in the target region to finalize accreditation plans and determine next steps. ASPPH will continue to track progress and invite successful institutions to join the association as full members once their accreditation is approved.
“At ASPPH, we believe that strengthening public health education worldwide is essential to building healthier, more equitable communities and a safer global future,” said Dr. Laura Magaña, president and CEO of the association. “This mentorship initiative reflects our deep commitment to collaboration and capacity building—supporting schools and programs in low- and middle-income countries as they progress toward CEPH accreditation and achieve excellence in public health education and practice.”
Expanding Global Impact
The initiative reinforces ASPPH’s commitment to advancing equity, excellence, and collaboration in academic public health. Linking established CEPH-accredited institutions with aspiring programs abroad raises global education standards while fostering enduring professional relationships.
LaVeist’s leadership in this effort continues his focus on addressing inequities and expanding opportunity in public health—values that reflect the mission of the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and align with ASPPH’s strategic vision for 2030 and beyond.
