Noonan Named Dean of School of Public Health

Morgan State University President Earl S. Richardson today announced the appointment of Dr. Allan S. Noonan as dean of the School of Public Health and Policy.

“This is a significant step for the university,” says Dr. Richardson. “The challenge of researching and implementing public health initiatives in urban communities is one that we take very seriously, and Dr. Noonan embodies our drive to improve conditions in this field.”

A proactive health professional for more than 30 years, Dr. Noonan is the former Secretary of Health for the state of Pennsylvania, and former director for the Department of Health in the District of Columbia. He has worked in epidemiology, maternal and child health, and participated in the eradication of smallpox in West Africa.

“After 30 years of seeing people of color underrepresented at the decision making level, I am thrilled to take on this challenge, so that Morgan graduates can continue to have an increasing impact on the health of people of color,” says Dr. Noonan.

Morgan’s public health program was started in 1999 and earned full accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health in 2004. The School of Public Health is comprised of the Prevention Sciences Research Center, the Public Health Program, and the Undergraduate Nutrition Program.

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a coeducational institution offering more than 60 academic programs leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. As Maryland’s premier public urban university, Morgan serves a multi-ethic and multi-racial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. This year, Morgan State University is celebrating its Twenty-year Renaissance and the twenty year tenure of its current president, Earl S. Richardson. For more information, visit www.morgan.edu.