Boldly stepping into a pivotal role, Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH, has been appointed as the new dean of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, starting on March 2. This announcement has sparked excitement and anticipation within the Columbia community.
In a message to all members of the university, Claire Shipman, the Acting President, alongside Katrina Armstrong, Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Executive Vice President for Health and Biomedical Sciences, shared the news on January 23, 2026.
They expressed their enthusiasm about Dr. Mermin’s appointment, highlighting his extensive qualifications and commitment to public health. Dr. Mermin is not only recognized nationally but also internationally for his contributions to the field. His career has been marked by a strong dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, promoting health equity, and serving the public good—a combination that promises to enhance the future of the Mailman School.
With a rich background as a physician, epidemiologist, researcher, and organizational leader, Dr. Mermin has spent many years pushing forward public health initiatives at both national and global levels. Most recently, he held the position of Director at the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention (NCHHSTP) at the CDC. Here, he managed a substantial annual budget of $1.5 billion and led a team of 1,800 professionals, driving efforts to curb infectious diseases, address health disparities, and turn research findings into actionable public health strategies. His work has had a profound impact, influencing numerous health department and community-based programs that serve millions both in the U.S. and worldwide. Additionally, Dr. Mermin is a retired two-star Rear Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service, underscoring his leadership credentials.
A hallmark of Dr. Mermin’s career has been his unwavering commitment to enhancing public health systems and mentoring emerging leaders, whether during his tenure as Director of CDC-Uganda and CDC-Kenya or throughout his other roles. He has been instrumental in defining federal and global public health policies, creating partnerships across various sectors, and steering responses to intricate public health issues. His approach consistently emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and collaboration with the communities most affected by health challenges.
Dr. Mermin’s prowess as a researcher is evident in his impressive record of over 250 peer-reviewed publications, and he has served as a trusted advisor to both national and international public health organizations.
He earned his BA from Harvard University, followed by an MD from Stanford University School of Medicine and an MPH from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. His training includes completing an internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Francisco, a preventive medicine residency through the CDC and the California Department of Public Health, and working as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the CDC.
The announcement also acknowledged Shih-Fu Chang, Dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, along with the entire search committee for their valuable contributions to this appointment process. Additionally, gratitude was extended to Kathleen Sikkema, Interim Dean, for her outstanding leadership and dedication to students, faculty, and staff during this transition.
As we welcome Dr. Mermin into the Columbia community, it’s an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the future of public health education and practice. What changes do you hope to see under his leadership? Join the conversation!
