The 2022 John B. Waller Jr. DrPH and Menthele (Mikki) Waller Endowed Scholarship for Master of Public Health students was presented to Monyca Johnson at the Wayne State University School of Medicine during the May 5 Graduate Celebration.

The award is presented annually to a master’s of public health student. Johnson plans to graduate with her degree, through the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, in the fall.

“As a student in the WSU master’s of public health program, Monyca impressed faculty and students with her academic achievement and work in public health,” said Julie Gleason-Comstock, Ph.D., assistant professor of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, who presented the award to Johnson. “She continues to work full time as a community engagement representative with Development Centers. We are proud of her accomplishments, including the 2022 publication in the Journal of Frailty and Aging, which addressed hospitalization challenges and medication access.”

The award is designed to provide scholarship funds to students and carry on Dr. Waller’s legacy of commitment to public health. Dr. Waller served as a public health professional and academic scholar for more than 40 years.  He was well known in public health circles locally and nationally. In addition to serving as a vice president of the American Public Health Association, he was public health director for the City of Detroit Department of Health, chair of the Wayne State University Department of Community Medicine, and senior vice president of Urban and Community Health for the Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Waller was a dedicated public health leader who had tremendous influence in shaping public health policy and in establishing community health systems in Detroit.

“Recognition of the importance of public health in Detroit and the Wayne State University School of Medicine has perhaps never been greater. The tradition for the endowed scholarship is to mentor and champion exemplary students in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences,” Mikki Waller said. “I want to congratulate Monyca on her accomplishments and wish her continued success in service to our great Detroit communities.”