New agreement will pave the way for more Black men to enter field of public health
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has entered into a five-year agreement with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the oldest intercollegiate fraternity for African American college men in the United States, that will streamline the admissions process for the organization’s members.
The agreement paves the way for members and alumni of the fraternity to apply and enroll in the school’s online master’s programs in areas such as community health sciences, environmental health sciences and health administration.
Under the agreement, all application fees will be waived for members of Alpha Phi Alpha. Participating students will also enjoy tuition discounts that will increase based on the number of fraternity members who enroll.
“This is a positive step for both institutions and aligns with our school’s goal to become the most diverse school of public health in the country,”
Dean Thomas LaVeist
“This is a positive step for both institutions and aligns with our school’s goal to become the most diverse school of public health in the country,” said Thomas LaVeist, dean of the school and Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Health Equity. “We are thrilled to be in partnership with such a well-respected fraternal organization.”
“It's important that we invite more men into the field of public health, and this historic partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha helps us do just that,” said Alicia Battle, dean of online programs for the school. “It makes a difference to have public health practitioners reflect the communities in which they work. That means we want more students and graduates representing communities of color and indigenous populations, and also representing gender diversity including more men. We are excited to welcome the men of Alpha Phi Alpha to Tulane."
Alpha Phi Alpha was founded in 1906 at Cornell University and currently has 730 active chapters in the Americas, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and Asia. It is the largest predominantly African American intercollegiate fraternity in the country, and one of the 10 largest fraternities overall. The organization promotes issues of interest to people of color, such as voter engagement, education and elder care.
"Advancing educational and professional outcomes for Alpha Phi Alpha Men in the field of public health will undoubtedly improve health outcomes and resilience in the communities we serve around the world," said Willis L. Lonzer, III, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. "Alpha Phi Alpha Men are men of distinction who have a long track record of service and advocacy for the downtrodden. The recent global pandemic and its disproportionate impact on communities of color is a great reminder of the need for more professionals of color in field of public health, and we are confident that this partnership with Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine will positively impact the field and our communities."
Under the terms of the agreement, Tulane will develop a pipeline program for undergraduate members of Alpha Phi Alpha, to prepare them for graduate and professional school. The fraternity will share information about the partnership with Tulane to its members and encourage participation from those looking to further their education. Learn more about the school’s online programs.
