In January, Meharry Medical College announced the launch of its Global Health Equity Institute, with a related School of Global Health slated to follow in 2026. Earlier this week, the historically Black college announced the new school would instead start enrolling students in the fall of 2024, pivoting to a phased approach. 

Daniel Dawes

Daniel Dawes

“I can't tell you how many folks have said, ‘When are you opening? When are you getting started?,’” said Daniel Dawes, leader of the Global Health Equity Institute. “‘I want to do my master's or I want to get a certificate or I want to do my doctorate.’ They'll ask us those questions. I'm like, oh my gosh, 2026. You're right. We don't have that time. We just don't. There are too many people who are suffering, who are dying, and they need and want this education.”