Honoring a Public Health Pioneer: Dushanka Kleinman Receives Distinguished Terrapin Award

On April 17, 2025, the University of Maryland School of Public Health honored Dr. Dushanka Kleinman with the Distinguished Terrapin Award during its Dean’s Recognition Ceremony at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. With a theme of “Around the World,” the evening celebrated global impact, community, and leadership—values deeply reflected in Dr. Kleinman’s legacy.

Throughout her remarkable career, Dr. Kleinman has helped shape the public health landscape through national leadership roles, including her tenure with the NIH, NIDCR, and U.S. Public Health Service. Her decades of service also include mentoring future leaders and helping launch the School of Public Health itself. She continues to support efforts around research, workforce development, and equity in public health—both nationally and in her enduring commitment to the UMD community.

The photo from the event, showing Dr. Kleinman alongside Dean Boris D. Lushniak, captures a meaningful moment between two visionary public health leaders.

Dr. Kleinman is currently serving as Vice President of the Santa Fe Group, and we couldn’t be prouder of the remarkable person and inspiring leader she is.

Photo of Dr. Dushanka Kleinman and Dean Boris D. Lushniak, courtesy of Dr. Carolyn Brown via LinkedIn.