From the Dean's Desk welcomes guest author Loni Philip Tabb, PhD, Associate Professor of Biostatistics and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs

As we step into 2026, the new year brings an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and growth. At Dornsife, we embrace this season of fresh beginnings as a chance to reaffirm our commitments to public health and our mission of advancing health as a human right. Just as public health thrives on adaptability and collaboration, so too does our academic community. This year, we continue to build on the progress we’ve made—creating pathways for advancement, amplifying voices, and fostering a connected, thriving workspace. And, I don’t take for granted that this is and will continue to be a lot of work! Thank you in advance to all who show up in unique and powerful ways. :)

Our new 2025-2029 Strategic Plan has a number of priority areas, and I’ve had the privilege of hearing from faculty (and staff) around development and advancement and our three goals are: #1 Establishing equitable and transparent pathways for growth and advancement, #2 Strengthening shared governance by amplifying community voice, and #3 Building a thriving and connected workspace. These goals are not just aspirations—they are actions we are taking together to shape the future of Dornsife. And, I feel lucky to be in this position to help lead and create a School that continues to support these types of efforts.

Goal 1: Equitable and Transparent Pathways for Growth and Advancement

Faculty development begins with clarity and fairness. At Dornsife, we are committed to creating systems that ensure every faculty member (and staff member; although I do not want to overstep and speak on behalf of our incredible professional staff – the backbone of our School) understands the opportunities available for professional growth. This means:

• Clear Promotion and Tenure Guidelines: We’ve worked to demystify the promotion process by providing accessible resources, workshops, and mentorship programs. Faculty can navigate career milestones with more confidence, knowing expectations are transparent and equitable.
• Professional Development Opportunities: From leadership training to grant-writing workshops, DSPH’s initiatives empower faculty to expand their skills and pursue new roles. These initiatives are designed with equity in mind, ensuring that all faculty—regardless of rank or background—have access to the tools they need to succeed.
• Mentorship and Sponsorship: Recognizing the importance of guidance, we’ve strengthened mentorship structures that connect junior faculty with experienced colleagues. These relationships not only support career progression but also foster a culture of mutual learning and collaboration.

Transparency is reinforced through open-door policies and regular office hours hosted by the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure (APT) Committee, creating direct access for questions and feedback. These practices build trust and ensure faculty feel supported at every stage of their career.

There’s still more to do…

Goal 2: Strengthening Shared Governance by Amplifying Community Voice

Faculty development thrives in an environment where voices are heard and valued. Shared governance is not just a principle—it’s a practice that shapes decision-making and builds trust. At Dornsife, we’ve taken concrete steps to amplify community voice:

• Listening Sessions (Fall 2025): Between September and December 2025, we hosted a series of listening sessions to hear directly from faculty about priorities, challenges, and opportunities. These conversations will inform updates to policies and programs, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and responsiveness.
• Inclusive Committees and Councils: Faculty and staff are actively engaged in shaping policies and programs through participation in governance structures. This ensures that decisions reflect the perspectives and expertise of those most affected by them.
• Workload Policy Updates: Through shared governance processes, faculty contributed to revisions of workload policies, ensuring they reflect the realities of teaching, research, and service. This collaborative approach strengthens trust and fairness across the school – and is directly impacting the university’s efforts at updating the workload policy.

By embedding these practices into our culture, we create a school where faculty have a genuine voice in shaping the future.

There’s still more to do…

Goal 3: Building a Thriving and Connected Workspace

Faculty development is not only about professional advancement—it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, connected, and inspired. At Dornsife, we want to invest in initiatives that promote well-being and community – these can range from wellness and work-life-balance supports, community building events, and improving our physical and virtual spaces to ensure we are truly a connected and thriving community.

These efforts will be built on trust, transparency, and shared purpose.

Yet again, there’s still more to do…

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we begin this new year, faculty development at Dornsife remains a dynamic, ongoing process. Our vision is clear: to create an environment where every faculty member has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive. Together, we are building a school that reflects the values of equity, collaboration, and community—values that define public health and drive our mission forward, regardless of the outside noise and distractions. And, while we can’t always ignore said noise and distractions, it’s my hope to help navigate in these new, often challenging spaces with care, intent, and purpose.

I personally invite all faculty to engage with the many different initiatives that are ongoing within our school, and within the university more broadly: attend upcoming development workshops, share your ideas in governance forums, connect with colleagues through community-building events, and, most recently, nominate your fellow colleagues for their amazing work through our various awards – more information can be found here (for the university) and here (for DSPH). Your voice and participation are essential to shaping a thriving Dornsife community.

To learn more or get involved, visit our Faculty Affairs page here or reach out to the Office of Faculty Affairs – my door (and email lpp22@drexel.edu) is always open.