Grand opening of new School of Public Health building

Ribbon cutting ceremony marks the new home of the School of Public Health at the Edna S. Brigham Building

Research & Innovation | April 17, 2024
Brittany Flores | Chloe Singh
A cheerleader, Brian Sandoval, Muge Akpinar and Jeff Thompson smiling while holding large commemorative scissors at the School of Public Health's ribbon cutting ceremony.

President Brian Sandoval, Dean Muge Akpinar and Provost Jeff Thompson. Photo by Chloe Singh.

Grand opening of new School of Public Health building

Ribbon cutting ceremony marks the new home of the School of Public Health at the Edna S. Brigham Building

Research & Innovation | April 17, 2024
Brittany Flores | Chloe Singh

President Brian Sandoval, Dean Muge Akpinar and Provost Jeff Thompson. Photo by Chloe Singh.

A cheerleader, Brian Sandoval, Muge Akpinar and Jeff Thompson smiling while holding large commemorative scissors at the School of Public Health's ribbon cutting ceremony.

President Brian Sandoval, Dean Muge Akpinar and Provost Jeff Thompson. Photo by Chloe Singh.

On Thursday, April 6, 2024, a significant moment unfolded within the School of Public Health — the opening of the new home in the recently renovated Edna S. Brigham Building was celebrated with joy and pride. The occasion was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony, with opening remarks from Univeristy leadership. 

President Sandoval spoke warmly about the School's impact in the community, stating, “This is a school that prepares students to take leadership roles in the future of public health for Nevada and our world. They impact policy and implement systemic change, develop and evaluate health programs, provide accessible wide-scale services and conduct innovative research.” 

Dean Akpinar-Elci has made great strides since assuming her role in Fall 2021. During her address on Thursday, she reflected on the journey that led to this day and expressed her gratitude for the collaborative effort that brought this shared vision to life.

“Today we are not just celebrating bricks and walls, we are celebrating people who went above and beyond to assist us in creating this space where passion meets purpose. These people share our dream,” she remarked. 

Check out hightlights from the ceremony

Photos by Chloe Singh.

  • President Brian Sandoval, Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci and Provost Jeff Thompson welcoming the crowd inside the new building.
  • President Brian Sandoval delivering opening remarks for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
  • Provost Jeff Thompson delivering opening remarks for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
  • Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci delivering opening remarks for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
  • Community members on and off campus gathered for the event.
  • President Brian Sandoval gathered with K7 contractors, who remodeled the building.
  • Event attendees gathered inside the main lobby of the new public health building.
  • Students exploring the new space at the event.

The School of Public Health, founded in 2004 as an undergraduate degree under the former Department of Health Ecology, has achieved significant milestones over the past two decades. The Master in Public Health program was accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in 2011. The School then became independent in 2017 under the name, “School of Community Health Sciences.” In 2021, the institution finally earned its accreditation as the, “School of Public Health” — one of 68 CEPH accredited schools in the world. Graduates have since made their mark in various fields, from higher education to impactful roles in healthcare, epidemiology, environmental science, biostatistics, social justice, emergency preparedness and policy change.

Discover more opportunities by visiting the School of Public Health website.

Research & Innovation | April 17, 2024
Brittany Flores | Chloe Singh
More In

Research & Innovation

Research & Innovation

Mountain chickadees have remarkable memories. A new study explains why

The spatial memory of mountain chickadees is influenced by genetics and may need to evolve with a changing climate

A mountain chickadee perches on a twig.
4/22/2024
Research & Innovation

Ask the Professor: Which bees will my garden attract?

A recently published article outlines the relationship between bee nutrition and flower visits

A bee on top of a starburst-looking plant with the desert Nevada landscape blurred in the background.
4/17/2024
Research & Innovation

University of Nevada, Reno researcher takes on fight against deadly cattle tick

Pioneering researcher wins highly competitive Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for collaborative international research project

Monika Gulia-Nuss.
4/15/2024
Research & Innovation

Nevada Lithium Circular Economy Conference held at University April 8 and 9

Conference discussions tackled trends in battery technology, workforce and economic development, and future needs for a successful lithium circular economy

Welcome to the Nevada Lithium Circular Economy Conference slide presentation to conference attendees seated in the UNR Milt Glick Ballroom.
4/23/2024

Editor's Picks

Candles commemorating the Holocaust.

Remembering the Holocaust
Two bike riders along a paved path with views of pine trees and Lake Tahoe.

Earth Month events focus on increasing campus sustainably, gardening, thrifting and more
Kendra Isable.

Anthropology doctoral candidate places second in regional Three-Minute Thesis Competition
A photo collage with all the faculty members mentioned in the article.

A look at careers of substance and impact
Latest From

Nevada Today

Impact & Student Success

University’s 12th annual College Day pep rally encourages middle school students to attend college

University of Nevada, Reno and Sparks Middle School partnership promotes enthusiasm for learning and college attainment

A crowd of students sit on the bleachers in the gym.
4/29/2024
Impact & Student Success

Affinity Graduate Celebrations to take place before commencement

The Multicultural Center is set to hold the celebrations to honor campus affinity groups

A group of eight students in the African-Diaspora affinity group smiling and posing at the Joe Crowley Student Union with their graduation cap and gowns.
4/29/2024
Campus Life & Athletics

New textbook tailored to Electrical Engineering grad students and practicing engineers

Professor Sami Fadali publishes “Introduction to Random Signals, Estimation Theory, and Kalman Filtering”

Sami Fadali sitting in a chair holding a textbook.
4/29/2024
Campus Life & Athletics

A glimpse into Korea comes to the University campus

Korea Wave/The Korean Film and Food Festival to be held on May 2

The Joe Crowley Student Union from the outside at night.
4/26/2024
Health & Medicine

Put the person first: M.D. student encourages others to pursue a career that aligns with their values

Spencer Joseph Horsley Trivitt, class of 2024, shares the importance of following one’s internal compass

Spencer smiling on a road bike with mountains and pine trees in the background.
4/26/2024
Science & Technology

Catalyzing carbon and plastic recycling

Energy Solutions Forum speaker Karen Goldberg spoke about the methods her lab is pursuing to recycle carbon and plastic

An audience looks toward Karen Goldberg, who is presenting in front of a screen.
4/25/2024
Impact & Student Success

Grads of the Pack: Jada DeLeon

“I strongly believe that every child has the fundamental right to thrive in inclusive environments”

Jada DeLeon wearing her graduation stole in front of a classic Wolf Pack mascot graphic
4/29/2024
Education & Public Service

University of Nevada, Reno Extension appoints new state leader for Nevada 4-H

Lindsay Chichester to foster growth of the youth development group

Lindsay Chichester.
4/25/2024