Behind the Department of Public Health Sciences’ research, educational programs and community initiatives is an administrative team that helps transform ideas and priorities into action.

That team gathered August 21 at the Lowe Art Museum for an Administrative Staff Retreat, centered on the theme “The Next Chapter: From Strength to Greater Impact.” Rather than focusing solely on daily responsibilities, the retreat invited staff to consider how their individual strengths, professional expertise and institutional knowledge could contribute to greater collective impact.

Investing in the Team

Margie Jimenez, M.A., CRA, assistant chair of the department, opened the retreat by describing the day as an investment in the people whose work supports the department’s research, education and service missions.

“Today is not about stepping away from our responsibilities. It is about investing in the team that makes those responsibilities possible,” Jimenez said. “This is an opportunity to spend time together, connect, reflect and think about how we continue moving forward.”

She framed the retreat’s theme, “The Next Chapter: From Strength to Greater Impact,” around the talent and commitment already present across the department.

“We are starting from a place of strength,” Jimenez said. “This team is made up of talented, committed and hardworking individuals who support our department every day in meaningful ways. In our department, every piece counts because every piece makes the whole.”

She encouraged participants to use the retreat as an opportunity to reflect on what is working well, strengthen collaboration and consider how greater communication, shared ownership and forward-looking thinking could help the team increase its impact.

“The opportunity before us is to take that strength and think about how we create even greater impact together, as colleagues, as partners and as one administrative team,” she said.

The morning began with an icebreaker in which participants shared two truths and a lie. The activity prompted conversation and allowed colleagues to learn something unexpected about one another before moving into the day’s broader discussion.

Staff members represented academic programs, research administration, finance, operations, human resources, communications and other areas. Although their responsibilities differ, their work collectively supports the faculty, students, research teams and community partners who advance the department’s mission.

“Working alongside the Graduate Programs team during the retreat highlighted how academic priorities and administrative processes affect one another every day,” said Catherine Tunnell, senior administrative assistant.

Connecting Daily Work to a Shared Direction

Kathryn E. McCollister, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences, outlined six priorities for the department’s next chapter: faculty excellence, educational excellence, research growth, population health leadership, operational excellence and philanthropic growth.

Dr. McCollister also reviewed initiatives developed to strengthen connections, encourage collaboration and increase the department’s visibility, including Momentum, the PHS Catalyst Lab, Public Health Roundtables, Faces of DPHS and Cafecito with the Chair.

Central to her message was the role administrative staff members play in advancing the department’s work.

“Operational excellence is not a back-office function. It is a strategic enabler of research, education and community impact,” Dr. McCollister said. “Faculty partner with you to do their best work, and that is a message that needs to be stated more explicitly.”

She also emphasized the importance of clear roles, transparent communication, accountability, professional development and shared purpose as the department works toward its long-term goals.

“My hope is that our department becomes a destination for outstanding public health scientists, educators, staff and students, recognized for transformative education, rigorous and consequential research, meaningful partnerships and a culture grounded in belonging, collaboration and shared purpose,” Dr. McCollister said.

In remarks shared with the group, Viviana E. Horigian, M.D., M.H.A., vice chair for education and professor in the department, encouraged staff members to look beyond organizational distinctions and recognize their shared contribution.

“I treasure being part of large teams, and I don’t see distinctions as helpful to accomplishing our goals,” Dr. Horigian said. “I rely on every single one of you as we create bridges and demonstrate our value to our students and faculty.”

A question-and-answer session gave participants an additional opportunity to discuss the department’s direction and how their work can support its priorities.

From Discussion to Creative Practice

Following the morning program, staff members took part in a guided tour of the Lowe Art Museum and created their own artwork during a group activity. The afternoon provided an informal setting for colleagues to spend time together outside their usual work environment.

“The atmosphere and the art-making activity created a sense of relaxation,” said Denatra Lewis, M.P.A., sponsored programs manager for pre-award. “It was a welcome break from the hustle and bustle we work through every day.”

At the conclusion of the program, staff members received a retreat gift set that included an insulated bottle with a digital temperature display, a notebook, pen and portable speaker.

In closing, Jimenez reminded participants that Graduate Programs, central administration, research support and other administrative areas are not separate teams, but parts of one group working toward a shared vision for the department.

“As we move into this next chapter, I hope today reminded us that our greatest impact comes when we stay connected, support one another and move forward together as one administrative team,” Jimenez said.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published August 24, 2026.