How Dr. Liana Winett Led The Foundation Of Student Success in the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Welcome to “A Decade of Dedication,” a new series that celebrates and honors the long-serving faculty, staff, and key partners who have contributed to the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health’s (SPH) ten year success on the 10th of every month.
One of the most integral builders of our School’s student affairs’ structure is Dr. Liana Winett, Associate Professor. Dr. Winett’s influence spans the school’s core functions, seamlessly integrating her expertise as a leading researcher and professor with her pioneering work in administrative leadership.
Her journey is a testament to the power of dedicated service, demonstrating how a commitment to both academic rigor and student support is essential for creating a school of public health.
The Scholar, Researcher, and Educator
As an Associate Professor, Dr. Winett approaches public health from a fascinating and critical lens: the role of discourse and narrative. Prior to joining PSU, she was Research Coordinator for the Berkeley Media Studies Group, experience she brings directly to the SPH classroom.
Dr. Winett teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses in media advocacy and mass communication for public health, guiding future leaders on how to effectively shape public discourse. Her research centers on how science, advocates, policymakers, and the media talk about complex and controversial social issues. Specifically, she applies theory to understand how persuasive, values-based narratives and arguments are constructed.
Her research contributions are wide-ranging and critically relevant, examining the communication frames used for urgent topics such as:
- The COVID-19 pandemic.
- The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD).
- Child healthy weight and food access.
- Menopause and menstruation.
- Childhood lead poisoning.
- Interpersonal violence, cancer, and bioterrorism, among others.
“Dr. Winett made public health communication come alive through real-world projects, guest speakers, and genuine care for her students. Her courses on Media Advocacy and Risk Communication remain some of the most impactful of my MPH experience, shaping how I approach equity and engagement in my work today,” says MPH-ESHH alum, Josh Hodsden.
In addition to her scholarly work, Dr. Winett actively works with public health and public interest professionals to translate this research into action, focusing on how narrative can reconnect audiences to the essential, often “behind the scenes,” systems and structures that protect community health.
The Foundational Administrator: Building the SPH Student Affairs Portfolio
Dr. Winett played an integral role in laying the groundwork for the School’s Student Affairs portfolio long before the SPH officially launched.
Her administrative service history is a clear roadmap to the SPH’s current success:
- Oregon Master of Public Health Program Director: Dr. Winett served in this crucial role twice (2004–2007 and 2012–2014).
- Health Promotion Track Coordinator: (2008–2012)
- Inaugural Associate Dean of Student Affairs: In 2017, she stepped into this foundational role, taking the lead in creating a student-centric operational model for the newly formed SPH.
As the Inaugural Associate Dean, Dr. Winett led a team that designed and implemented the essential infrastructure to foster student success at every stage. This foundation was critical for handling admissions, matriculation, registration, retention, and graduation processes
A Lasting Impact
Dr. Liana Winett’s dual identity as a rigorous scholar and a dedicated administrative leader has been vital to the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. With service dating back to 2000, her work not only advances our understanding of public health discourse but also ensures that the next generation of public health professionals is supported from their first application to their graduation day.
We are proud to acknowledge and celebrate her lasting legacy in research, teaching, and the formation of a school dedicated to student excellence.