The SPPH Student Association launched their 2025-26 administration with a packed townhall meeting Wednesday, bringing together students to shape the future of their graduate school experience. Emily Edgar (President) and Izabella Galindo (Vice President) unveiled plans spanning community service, professional development, and social engagement that aim to transform how SPPH students connect with each other and Galveston.
Three Pillars for Student Success
The new leadership team structured their vision around three strategic pillars that address what students need most: real-world connections, career preparation, and a stronger sense of community.
Community Involvement Takes Center Stage
First up on the agenda: getting students out of the classroom and into Galveston. The Student Association will coordinate their first volunteer event on September 29th at Galveston Central Church, where students will inventory emergency weather supplies for the unhoused community.
Emily explained that the association aims to organize and facilitate public health-related events that foster student engagement. Students showed enthusiasm for monthly volunteer opportunities, with many preferring coordinated group events over individual sign-ups.
Future community projects include:
- Public Health Pathways - SPPH students teaching high schoolers at Ball High about public health careers
- Narcan distribution booth at Mardi Gras - Harm reduction in action during Galveston's biggest event
- Partnerships with local organizations including Groundswell (Galveston's Own Farmers Market), Christina Sullivan Foundation, and Sisters in Public Health
Professional Development Gets Personal
Dr. Dana Wiltz-Beckham announced an exciting opportunity. Five remaining spots for StrengthsFinder sessions on October 24 and November 7. This $500-600 value comes free to students and includes personalized coaching to identify natural strengths and apply them to career planning.
The Student Association also plans:
- LinkedIn workshop with free professional headshots
- Writing Accountability Groups (WAGs) - Weekly meetups to tackle thesis chapters and papers together
- Research seminars on topics students actually want to hear about
Students suggested adding workshops on communicating public health to non-technical audiences and building mentorship connections across cohorts.
Building Community Beyond the Classroom
Perhaps the most animated discussion centered on fun. Students brainstormed everything from public health movie nights featuring "Contagion" to murder mystery dinners with an epidemiological twist.
Hablamos, a Spanish conversation club, generated particular interest. Emily and another student ran weekly sessions over the summer and plan to continue, recognizing the value of bilingual skills in Texas public health careers.
Other social ideas that got thumbs up:
- Game nights every other month
- Group bowling trips
- Public health book discussions (check Slack for the reading list)
- Field day competitions
- Seasonal celebrations like pumpkin carving
Leadership Opportunities Still Available
The Student Association extended nominations for Secretary and Treasurer positions through Friday, September 19th, with elections running September 20-27. These roles offer hands-on leadership experience through biweekly board meetings and monthly general meetings.
Staying in the Loop
Students can stay connected through multiple channels.
- Instagram: Follow @spphsautmb for updates, volunteer opportunities, and event announcements Here
- Slack: Join the SPPH Student Association workspace for real-time discussions Here
- Newsletter: Watch for the bi-weekly student newsletter returning Monday with all the latest opportunities Here
Building on Strong Foundations
Emily and Izabella thanked the previous board who helped establish the framework they're now expanding. The new leaders acknowledged how much groundwork was laid to enable them to provide even more opportunities for students.
The meeting closed with an open call for ideas and involvement. Emily emphasized that student ideas, wants, and visions are deeply valued and the leadership team remains extremely open to hearing what students have to say.
For students looking to get involved or share ideas, reach out through Instagram or catch Emily and Izabella around campus. As they work to bridge the gap between faculty networks and student opportunities, one thing is clear. This Student Association plans to make SPPH about much more than coursework.