Alumna Appointed as Inaugural Dean of the Prairie View A&M University School of Public and Allied Health
Alumna Angela Branch-Vital, PhD, has been named the Inaugural Dean of the Prairie View A&M University School of Public and Allied Health.
Branch-Vital completed her PhD in Health Promotion in 2008 at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and has since dedicated her career to advancing research and education. Since earning her graduate degree, she has held various academic and leadership roles at Prairie View A&M, rising from assistant professor to department head.
Previously, Branch-Vital served as the executive director of the School of Public and Allied Health, overseeing the launch of the university's first Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Arts in Public Health. This marked a poignant moment in the state as the first Historically Black College and University to offer the program in Texas, expanding the public health footprint within the state.
The Prairie View A&M University School of Public and Allied Health opened its doors in 2023. Under Branch-Vital's leadership, it aims to improve academic excellence, student success, research innovation, expand programming, and community engagement.
Branch-Vital will lead the development of new graduate and doctoral programs while expanding interdisciplinary research and community partnerships to further extend the school's reach.
"My alma mater provided me with a well-rounded education in public health, preparing me to become an effective public health professional capable of addressing health challenges at local, national, and global levels," Branch-Vital shared. As public health continues to evolve, leadership roles held by dedicated professionals such as Branch-Vital are essential to mold future researchers and more.
"Being an educator and mentor to future leaders in the field of public health allows me to pass on my knowledge and expertise, ensuring that the field continues to progress and make a difference in the lives of many," she stated.
Her journey from student to dean exemplifies the school's mission to train and teach future students the core principles of public health. As she steps into this historic role, she'll embed this mission in all students she oversees as the Inaugural Dean.