About

Rollins History

A student walks toward the R. Randall Rollins Building

How Rollins Became a Public Health Leader

The program at Atlanta’s Emory University had backing from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other agencies. It joined a national movement of health workers using information and people skills to create healthier communities.

Rollins historical photographs
Rollins historical photographs
Rollins historical photographs
Rollins historical photographs
Rollins historical photographs
Rollins historical photographs

Rollins Through the Years

Two Emory School of Medicine professors conceive an idea that combines disciplines. Students train to teach health and prevention in communities and empower people to live better. The Master of Community Health degree rolls out in 1974.

Putting People First

Rollins Timeline

In June, 16 students start classes. "This was a new degree with a new focus. They took a chance on us," said Constance Conrad, a former assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics who focused on preventive medicine and community health.

The First Class Takes a Chance

Rollins Timeline

Community Health at Emory gains Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation—one of just three U.S. programs at the time to do so.

Tenacity Pays Off

Rollins Timeline

Emory elevates public health as an academic pursuit, forming a school and, in 1994, naming it the Rollins School of Public Health to recognize the generous philanthropy of the Rollins family. James W. Curran, MD, accepts his appointment as dean in 1995.

Phenomenal Growth

Rollins Timeline

After 9/11, Rollins launches its Center for Public Health Preparedness to help communities handle crises—from bioterrorism to pandemics, including COVID-19.

Assisting in Disasters

Rollins Timeline

A catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, the 30th anniversary of HIV/AIDS, and an Ebola epidemic in West Africa deepen Rollins’ global health commitment. At the same time, a sharper focus on issues like obesity, addiction, stillbirth, mental illness, and environmental harm pushes public health to expand its reach—and Rollins with it.

A Widening Reach

Rollins Timeline

2020s: Leading Rollins into the Future

In 2020, CEPH extends RSPH's accreditation by seven years—the maximum possible. M. Daniele Fallin, PhD, takes her role as James W. Curran Dean of Public Health in 2022, as the last of three state-of-the-art Rollins academic buildings opens. This year, as endowments grow and academics expand, RSPH keeps making history. 

Rollins historical photographs

 

Leadership and Legacy at Rollins

Many passionate advocates and transformative partners help further our mission to advance education and take on public health’s great challenges. We could not succeed—or lead our exceptional students—in improving wellness and quality of life for everyone without these visionaries and supporters.

Eugene J. Gangarosa: Clean Water Champion

Gene Gangarosa, MD, was an RSPH founder and pioneer of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). His research and CDC work saved millions of lives. The Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health was named in his honor in 2020.

More About Gangarosa

James W. Curran: Leader for World Health

Jim Curran, MD, joined the CDC as a young physician, launching a career that shaped public health for decades. As dean for 27 years, he transformed Rollins into an influential institution.

More About James W. Curran

The Rollins Family: Investors in Perpetuity

Philanthropist Wayne Rollins and his wife, Grace Crum Rollins, along with their children and grandchildren, founded the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation. Their gifts include three modern buildings (the newest in 2022) and our distinguished school’s name.

More on the Rollins Family

The Hubert Family: Globalizing Public Health

Richard (Dick) Hubert and Linda Lentz Hubert, and their Hubert Foundation, elevate our world health leadership and support first-generation and international students. Rollins dedicated the Hubert Department of Global Health in 2006.

Read About the Hubert Family Scholarship

Rollins Continues to Make History

Rollins researchers, faculty, and students continue to drive progress.

Outside of the RRR building with people walking by during the evening.

We’re #2 in Public Health

Rollins is No. 2 among accredited public health graduate schools and programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Bringing Science Stories to the Public

To illuminate health stories, we created a new radio show and a more robust social media presence.

Students sit in chairs and chat together

Strategic Plan Progress

The Rollins five-year strategic plan brings new online degree programs and sustained support for diversity initiatives.

Make History With Us

Rollins never stands still. Be part of what comes next.

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