Update from SOPHE President Michelle S. Williams

It is an honor to write to you for the first time as your SOPHE President — and I want to start with our students and recent graduates. I remember this stage of the journey: the excitement of choosing this field, and the doubt that can creep in when the job search stretches longer than expected. If that’s you right now, hold on. Stay focused. Remember why you chose public health education in the first place.

That why matters more than ever. We are living through a tumultuous time for public health — this year the U.S. recorded more than 2,300 measles cases, the highest in 35 years, for a disease we know how to prevent. Whatever sector you’re in — academia, community-based organizations, corporate wellness, health departments — we are all working toward the same underlying goal: a healthier, more equitable population. I need every one of you to stay vigilant and focused on it, especially now.

This is why I’m so passionate about serving as your President. Despite everything our field is facing, SOPHE has remained steadfast in its mission to achieve health equity. Your voice matters, and one of the most direct ways to use it is advocacy. Join us at the SOPHE Advocacy Summit, October 17–19, 2026, in Washington, DC. Now more than ever, we need voices from every corner of public health education to rally together and advocate for the resources we need.

To recent graduates still finding your footing: I know “keep going” is easy for me to say from here — but I’ve been where you are, and it was tough. Staying focused on my why carried me through, and it will carry you too. Hold on. Stay focused. I hope to see you in DC this October.