"George Mason University has rebranded its College of Health and Human Services as the College of Public Health in a move to address a critical need for skilled health professionals and research across the state.

GMU announced the renaming Tuesday, following approval in late October by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and it now becomes the first and only public health college in the state. 

The newly renamed college will focus on an inclusive approach to public health education, research and practice. More than 60% of its student body is from historically underrepresented groups and 38% of its undergraduates are first-generation college students. Given its location in Fairfax County, the college will also draw on its proximity to federal health-related agencies, health systems, policymaking institutions, nonprofit community service organizations and global health consulting management firms, according to a news release,'" reports Virginia Business. 

Photo: Melissa Perry