A Decade of Impact: Celebrating 10 Years of the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health
This year, we proudly celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health — a significant milestone in advancing health education and transforming lives! It is an exciting time to reflect on the incredible journey of growth, innovation and impact that has shaped the college into the beacon of health care education it is today.
In 2015, the College of Health emerged as a testament to UWF's commitment to meeting the evolving health care needs of our region. We welcomed our first cohort of students under the college, eager to embark on their paths to becoming the skilled and compassionate health care professionals of tomorrow. Our mission was clear — produce the next generation of experts to serve our health care agencies and our community. Over the past decade, we've witnessed that vision come to life in extraordinary ways.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Since its inception, the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health has been a dynamic force, constantly adapting and expanding to meet the ever-changing demands of the health care landscape. Today we boast an impressive 63 degree programs, encompassing a wide range of disciplines at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels. This commitment to innovation has enabled us to provide our students with the most relevant and cutting-edge education possible, preparing them to excel in a variety of health care roles.
A Transformative Gift, A Lasting Legacy
In 2017, Dr. Usha and Mahadeb Kundu made an extraordinary gift of more than $5 million to UWF, forever linking their name with the College of Health. This act of generosity was a testament to their belief in the power of education to transform lives and their deep commitment to the Pensacola community.
The Kundus' gift has enabled the college to reach new heights. It has fueled the expansion of academic programs, provided state-of-the-art equipment and resources, and created opportunities for faculty development and student support. Their legacy lives on in every student who graduates from the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, ready to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Our Impact in Numbers
The college's growth and success are reflected through impressive numbers.
More than 14,000 undergraduate students and 3,075 master's students have enrolled in our programs seeking knowledge, mentorship and the opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Nearly 9,000 are now making their mark in the health care industry, contributing their talents and expertise to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
These numbers are not just statistics — they represent lives transformed, careers launched and a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond our campus.
The Heart of Our College: Dr. Usha Kundu
The college bears the name of a truly remarkable individual, Dr. Usha Kundu, a trailblazing physician who embodies the values of compassion, dedication and unwavering patient care. Dr. Kundu's story is an inspiration to us all. After immigrating to the United States from India, she opened her private OB-GYN practice in Pensacola in 1983, becoming the area's first female obstetrician and gynecologist.
Central to Dr. Kundu's philosophy has always been the belief in treating every patient with the utmost dignity and respect. In her words, “I always tried to put myself in the position of my patients and treat them as I would like to be treated. I approached my patients as individuals and took time to explain their care plans and answer their questions.”
This commitment to compassionate care resonates deeply with the mission of the college that proudly bears her name.
Dean Bellar's Visionary Leadership
The Usha Kundu, MD College of Health's continued success is also deeply intertwined with the visionary leadership of Dean David Bellar, who joined UWF in 2022. Dean Bellar brought with him a wealth of experience in health-focused higher education and a deep commitment to community engagement. Since his arrival, he has focused on expanding the college's impact by responding to the needs of community partners, addressing the shortage of health care professionals, and mitigating the impacts of COVID-19. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the college's connection to the community and ensuring its graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving health care landscape.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Health Care Education
As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we look to the future with excitement and anticipation. The Usha Kundu, MD College of Health is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, driven by our unwavering dedication to quality education, research and community engagement. We look forward to continuing to provide our students with an exceptional health care education that prepares them to be leaders in their fields, conducting cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of health and disease, and to strengthen partnerships in our community to improve the health and well-being of all who live and work in our region.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this special anniversary. Your continued support and engagement are vital to our success as we embark on the next chapter in the story of the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health.
Together, we will continue to innovate health care education and shape the future of health care for generations to come.
