Pioneering Perspectives

Pioneering Perspectives is a 2025 series where we share insights and experiences from members of the Arnold School of Public Health as we celebrate 50 Years (1975 - 2025). Each month, we're telling the stories of alumni, faculty, and leaders whose unique perspectives shed light on the Arnold School across its five-decade history.  

SC Department of Environmental Services Director Myra Reece shares how her Arnold School degree prepared her for leading statewide efforts to improve public health

The Department of Environmental Health Sciences had only been offering their Master of Public Health degree with an emphasis on hazardous materials for a couple years when Reece applied.

Harris Pastides takes us through five of the most pivotal years in the Arnold School's 50-year history

Harris Pastides is most often associated with his 11-year tenure as USC President, but few keep it top of mind how his five years as dean of the Arnold School were incredibly impactful for both the school and Pastides' own career.

Danielle Varnedoe takes us through the history of the Arnold School's oldest and newest department

Her 1983 arrival turned into a 40-year adventure, with Varnedoe leading the clinic for 20 years and contributing to the growth and evolution of the school and the field for more than four decades.

The evolution of the Arnold School and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics through Cheryl Addy's eyes

Cheryl Addy came to the Arnold School in 1988, and she's served USC ever since. She joined the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics as its youngest biostatistician - a role that would evolve alongside the department over the years.

Exercise science professor Russell Pate shares 50 years of individual and departmental growth as part of the Arnold School

Russell Pate arrived at USC in 1974 and was one of six faculty members to found the Department of Exercise Science in 1989. In this Pioneering Perspectives story, he shares five decades of Arnold School history.

Health care executive Tiffany Sullivan leads community-focused career grounded in Arnold School training, mentorship

Tiffany Sullivan, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Physician Services, shares how the Arnold School's MPH in Health Administration program and graduate assistantships at Prisma Health launched her career.

Roger Sargent looks back on the origins of the health promotion, education, and behavior department

Roger Sargent may have a background in biology, but he found his passion in public health. His Ph.D. program first introduced him to the field - a focus on human parasitology that brought him to USC's biology department in 1968.

Two-time alumna, long-time faculty member Sara Corwin shares the rise of the public health bachelor's programs

Sara Corwin earned two degrees from the Arnold School during its formative years and has spent more than two decades building its undergraduate programs. Read on for an inside view with this very special Pioneering Perspectives story.

Master of Health Administration alumnus Gary Cooper looks back on the Arnold School in the 90s plus lessons from a career in health care

Gary Cooper has reached a stage in his life and career where he has wisdom to share. A serial entrepreneur who has bought, sold and led multi-million-dollar health care organizations, the MHA alumnus ('96) says his success almost cost him his life.

Public health nurse Lillian Mood shares her experience in the Arnold School's inaugural cohort and how the program impacted her career

Lillian Mood (Lill) graduated with the inaugural cohort of the Arnold School's first degree program, the Master of Public Health. The public health nurse went on to have a long career serving South Carolinians in various roles with the Department of Public Health.

Mary Ann Galloway paved the way for the first Master of Public Health program as its first graduate

Reinvention, innovation and entrepreneurship have been themes in Mary Ann Galloway's career. In addition to grit, an open mind and an innate ability to connect the dots, she credits her MPH for making her path possible.