School of Public Health

Dear Graduates,

Today marks a transitional moment in your life — one that is equally exhilarating and intimidating. As you look to the future with a number of different emotions — relief, excitement, and even a little trepidation — know that we share those feelings but have confidence in your ability to succeed in all your future endeavors. Your years of work and sacrifice, study and practice have culminated in this moment, and we know you are ready to carry the Mountaineer spirit into the world. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

As you leave behind the academic environment, you join your fellow WVU Public Health alumni in a profession that believes deeply that health is not a privilege of the few, but is a basic human right for all people – regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or country of origin. In addition to feeling immensely proud of your successes as students is the heartfelt gratitude we share with those that have helped you arrive at today’s milestone, particularly during a year of transformation. To our faculty and staff; the family members and friends of our graduates; and the many partners across our state and beyond: thank you for investing in our students. Your guidance, support and mentorship have helped this class of graduates advance to the next chapter of their lives, whether that’s continuing their academic journey with the School of Public Health or elsewhere, or taking that first step in their career.

We speak on behalf of all of our Health Sciences colleagues when we tell you there is no greater reward than seeing each of you succeed. Wherever your next step leads, remember that country roads always lead home.

Best wishes,

Erik L. Carlton, DrPH, CPH, FACHE
Interim Dean

Sarah C. Woodrum, DrPH, FACHE
Interim Dean