About the Thompson School

Established in 1936, The Thompson School is composed of three units: Department of Social Work, Department of Public Health Sciences, and the Center on Aging.

Our Vision

To be a leading Indigenous-serving school of social work, public health, and aging that improves the health and well-being of Hawaiʻi, the Pacific region, and beyond through transformative education, impactful research, and meaningful community partnerships.

Dean's Message

Aloha kākou,

It is a privilege to serve as Dean of the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, home to a dedicated ʻohana of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners across our three units: the Department of Social Work, Department of Public Health Sciences, and the Center on Aging. This is a pivotal moment for our fields. Hawaiʻi and communities around the world continue to navigate escalating mental health needs, widening inequities, climate-related disasters, and ongoing post-pandemic strains on public systems and vulnerable populations, among many other pressing social and health challenges. These realities underscore the urgent need for skilled and compassionate social work and public health professionals who can lead with cultural grounding, evidence-based practice, and community partnership.

At the Thompson School, we prepare the next generation to meet these responsibilities through rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and deep engagement with the communities we serve. Inspired by the legacy of Myron B. Thompson and aligned with UH Mānoa’s commitment to becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, our programs emphasize social justice, health equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mālama for the people and places of Hawaiʻi. We invite you to explore our programs and join us in advancing the well-being of communities across Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Alex Ortega, PhD
Dean

Mission Statements

Thompson School Mission

The Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health advances health, well-being, social
justice, and healthy communities through excellence in education, research, workforce
development, and community engagement. Guided by Native Hawaiian values and a
commitment to Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region, we prepare future leaders and generate
knowledge that improves policy and practice.

Department of Social Work

The mission of the Department of Social Work (DSW) is to provide educational excellence that advances social work with its focus on social justice. The principal responsibility is the generation, transmission, and application of knowledge for the global enterprise with special attention to Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and Asian populations in our state and region.

Learn more about DSW

Department of Public Health Sciences

The mission of the Department of Public Health Sciences (DPHS) is to advance and protect the health and wellbeing of the peoples of Hawai‘i, the Pacific, Asia, and Indigenous peoples, through teaching, discovery, innovation, community engagement, inclusion, and leadership.

Learn more about DPHS

Center on Aging

The mission of the Center on Aging (CoA) is to enhance the well-being of older adults through interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts in research as well as educational programs and service to the community. The Center is an organized research unit focused on applied, translational, and community-engaged research with attention on the populations of Hawaiʻi and the Asia Pacific region.

Learn more about CoA

Thompson School Strategic Plan (Under Review)

This strategic plan reflects the current strategic direction of the Thompson School and is being shared as part of a broader consultation process. During the 2026–2027 academic year, the school will engage faculty, staff, students, the Dean's External Advisory Council, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and further refine the plan. As a living document, the strategic plan will continue to evolve as priorities and opportunities emerge.

The Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health's Strategic Plan highlights the following as our strategic priorities:

Native Hawaiian Place of Learning
Student Success & Academic Excellence
Workforce Development
Climate Health & Population Health
Healthy Communities, Human Rights & Community Engagement
Research Excellence & Policy Impact
Organizational Excellence & Pilina
Resource Stewardship & Advancement

You can view the detailed Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health's 2026-2027 Strategic Plan (pdf) from this link.