With more than 25 years of service to the department, Dr. McCollister brings a deep understanding of its mission and operations, a strong foundation in research leadership, and a student- and faculty-centered approach that will guide the department through this transitional period.

“Our department’s mission will anchor my leadership during this transition: Mission First, Always: Advancing Public Health Excellence,” said Dr. McCollister. “I will be guided by several core principles: collaborative integration, evidence-based decision making, a faculty- and student-centered approach, and strategic positioning.”

As an accomplished health economist and Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants, Dr. McCollister has secured over $10 million in NIH funding as PI or subcontract PI. She plays key leadership roles in national initiatives such as HEAL (Helping End Addiction Long-term), JCOIN (Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network), CHERISH, and the HEAL Data2Action Modeling and Economic Resource Center (MERC). Her research focuses on economic evaluation related to substance use disorders, HIV prevention, mental health, and criminal justice, aligning closely with institutional and national public health priorities.

“My work directly aligns with addressing the overdose crisis, a key priority for both our institution and the NIH,” she noted. “As one of the leading health economists specializing in substance use disorders, I’ve led multi-site research initiatives that require strong coordination and collaboration.” 

Dr. McCollister has also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to education, having taught health economics in both the M.P.H. and M.D./M.P.H. programs for over two decades. “This experience has given me deep insight into our educational mission and student needs,” she said. She has mentored numerous Ph.D. and M.P.H. students and served as a capstone advisor to M.D./M.P.H. students.

As Director of the Division of Health Services Research and Policy since 2016, she has overseen strategic faculty recruitment, supported interdisciplinary grant development, and contributed to the department’s sustained position among the nation’s top NIH-funded public health programs.

In her new role, Dr. McCollister plans to build on the department’s strong foundation while advancing initiatives that expand its reach and relevance. “We are well poised to foster interdisciplinary collaboration as team scientists with expertise in many of the institutional priority ‘buckets’ including aging, cancer, neuroscience, computational biology, and mental health.”

She identified several key opportunities ahead, including “strategic recruitment of top talent through partnerships with SCCC, SONHS, MHBS, and RSMS,” as well as developing micro-credentialing programs and expanding instructor/practitioner affiliations. She also aims to “leverage large datasets like TriNetX and All Payer Claims to unify researchers across the University and create recruitment pipelines for exceptional faculty.”

At the same time, she acknowledged challenges such as “adapting to evolving NIH and other extramural funding priorities, balancing the integration of clinical care, education, and research missions during this transition period, and ensuring financial sustainability while pursuing strategic investments in key research and teaching areas.”

Dr. McCollister succeeds Dr. David J. Lee, who served as Chair and Graduate Programs Director and remains a valued member of the faculty. “Dr. Lee has been an incredible mentor throughout my career. His dedication to our faculty, students, and staff has been steadfast,” she said. “I am committed to following Dr. Lee’s example of thoughtful, mindful leadership.” 

During his tenure, Dr. Lee led efforts to expand the department’s research infrastructure, enhance its national profile, and increase academic offerings, including the launch of the department’s online degree programs. He supported faculty recruitment and development, fostered interdepartmental partnerships, and strengthened the integration of research, education, and practice. His leadership helped position the department for continued success in research, education, and public health impact.

The Department of Public Health Sciences extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Lee for his years of leadership and service. His commitment to advancing public health science and education has left a lasting impact and helped position the department for continued success.

Reflecting on the department’s future, she shared: “As your Interim Chair, I’m committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively with our faculty, staff, and students to build bridges and expand our reach. Our department’s strength lies in our collective expertise, our commitment to excellence, and our shared mission to advance public health through research, education, and strategic partnerships.”

“We will continue to be a department that not only responds to current public health challenges but anticipates and shapes the future of our field through rigorous science and dedicated mentorship.”

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on June 25, 2025.