Raczynski, Phillips Pledge $1 Million To UAMS College Of Public Health

Jim Raczynski, Ph.D., dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, and his wife, Martha Phillips, Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology, have pledged a planned estate gift of $1 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to establish the Raczynski Phillips Bruce Chair in Social Determinants of Health.

The gift is in honor of the college’s inaugural dean, Thomas A. Bruce, M.D., and his late wife, Dolores.

“We chose to make this gift in honor of Dr. Bruce, whose vision has helped guide our work in education, research and service to public health statewide, and Dolores, who stood by his side and supported these changes,” Raczynski said. “It has been my great pleasure to serve as founding dean of the College of Public Health, and my wife and I could not be more pleased to offer this gift to help make the people of Arkansas a healthier people in the years to come.”

The College of Public Health provides hands-on education and research opportunities that have created leaders across the state in health policy, behavior, and practice.

“Since both of us have focused much of our careers on the social determinants of health,” Raczynski said, “the naming of this chair ensures for us this enduring focus in efforts to improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.”

In November 2000, Arkansas voters approved the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act that set aside 100% of the national tobacco settlement for health initiatives, including the creation of the College of Public Health. The college held its first day of classes in January 2002.