INDIANAPOLIS – Dr. Paul Halverson, founding dean and professor at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, has been appointed dean and professor at the School of Public Health at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Portland State University (PSU).
“In my ten years as founding dean, it has been my honor to work with our faculty and staff to establish the Fairbanks School,” said Halverson. “Our school has accomplished much – from launching new academic programs to a comprehensive state and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We now have a robust research portfolio and deep ties to the community with projects that are advancing the health of Indiana.”
Halverson joined the school in 2013 as the founding dean, a role reserved for the first dean of a newly established school. Founding deans shape the direction of the school by hiring key faculty and establishing grounding partnerships. In his role as founding dean, he has served as a senior health advisor for the state health commissioners as well as the governor’s office, and led the Indiana Health Systems Review, which led to a role in the Governor’s Public Health Commission. In addition, Halverson led the creation of an academic health department within the Marion County Public Health Department, led by Dr. Virginia Caine.
Launched by a $20 million endowment from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and a $1 million feasibility study from Eli Lilly and Company, the Fairbanks School was established September 27, 2012.
“During Dean Halverson’s tenure at the Fairbanks School of Public Health, he built trusted partnerships with the city, the county, and the state that had a significant impact on public health,” said Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, interim chancellor of Indiana University Indianapolis. “We are grateful for his leadership over these many years, for his service to the Fairbanks School, and to the campus.”
Halverson joined the school after serving as the Arkansas state health officer and director. Prior to his appointment as state health officer, he served in senior management roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including as senior advisor in the office of strategy and innovation. Before joining the CDC, he served as a senior health policy advisor for the state health director at the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
Halverson earned his doctorate in public health from the University of North Carolina and his master’s degree in health services administration from Arizona State University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“I am grateful to have been a part of the creation of the Fairbanks School. I know that I am leaving the school in the capable hands of our leadership team. Working together they will continue the important work this school was founded to accomplish,” said Halverson.
Halverson will begin his new role February 1, 2024. Indiana University is working to develop a transition plan.