The inaugural ACHE MPH class with Dr. Simpson on the left.
The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is proud to celebrate a historic milestone following the graduation of the inaugural Master of Public Health (MPH) class.
For Don Simpson, PhD, MPH, Dean of the ACHE School of Population Health, the moment represents both the fulfillment of a vision and the beginning of a lasting legacy for the program.
“Seeing the inaugural Master of Public Health class graduate is both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful,” Simpson said. “Launching a new graduate program required vision, collaboration, and a shared belief that these students would become leaders capable of improving the health of communities across the region and beyond. Watching this first cohort cross the stage reflects the realization of that vision and the beginning of a lasting legacy for the ACHE MPH program.”
Since its launch, the fully online MPH program has focused on preparing students not only with technical public health knowledge, but also with leadership skills and a commitment to service.
“From the beginning, our goal was to create a program that prepared students with not only strong technical and evidence-based public health practice skills, but also the ability to lead boldly, think critically, and advocate for healthier communities,” Simpson said. “This inaugural cohort exceeded those expectations.”
Throughout the program, students balanced careers, families, and community responsibilities while engaging in research, service, and community-based projects. Dr. Simpson said the students helped shape the culture and identity of the program while establishing a strong foundation for future cohorts.
As public health challenges continue to evolve, Dr. Simpson believes the graduates are prepared to make an immediate and meaningful impact.
“These graduates are prepared to make an immediate and lasting impact because they understand that public health extends far beyond hospitals and clinics,” Simpson said. “They recognize the importance of prevention, education, access, policy, and addressing the social determinants of health that shape community outcomes every day.”
He added that the graduates are prepared to lead in areas such as rural health, health equity, community outreach, emergency preparedness, health education, and population health improvement.
“What stands out most about this cohort is the strong sense of purpose they brought to the program,” Simpson said. “From the beginning, they understood they were establishing the standard for future MPH students, and they embraced that responsibility with professionalism and pride.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Simpson hopes the inaugural class will leave a legacy defined by leadership, service, innovation, and compassion.
“Their legacy will extend far beyond being the first graduating class. It will be reflected in the meaningful impact they make in their professions, their communities, and the future of public health for years to come,” Simpson said.
As the Public Health program continues to grow, ACHE is preparing to launch additional graduate degree offerings. Beginning in summer 2026, ACHE will introduce the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Leadership for Rural Health and Sustainable Development. The fully online, part-time program is designed to prepare mid-career professionals for leadership roles in rural health and population-based initiatives.
The DrPH program will emphasize evidence-informed decision-making, data-driven leadership, and sustainable solutions to complex public health challenges facing rural communities. The program is scheduled to begin in August.
Beginning in summer 2026, ACHE will also introduce the Doctor of Executive Leadership (DEL) and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs, followed by a new Physician Associate (PA) degree program planned for fall 2028.
ACHE congratulates the inaugural MPH graduating class and looks forward to the continued impact these graduates will make in communities across the region and beyond.
