Washington University in St. Louis Receives $200 Million to Create New School of Public Health

Andrew Bursky and his wife pledged $200 million through their family foundation to name a newly created school of public health at Washington University in St. Louis. The $200 million pledge will directly fund the establishment of the new school, which previously did not exist at the institution.

University leaders plan to use the resources to expand faculty, launch research initiatives and increase student enrollment in public health disciplines. @business reported that the gift ranks among the largest ever received by Washington University. The donation arrives as the university seeks to strengthen its health-related programs amid growing national demand for public health expertise.

Bursky, a longtime supporter of the university, worked with administrators to shape the school's focus areas before finalizing the commitment. The family foundation has previously backed other academic and medical projects at the institution, though none approached the scale of this latest gift. The newly created school will carry the Bursky name in recognition of the pledge.

Construction and program development are expected to begin immediately, with the first cohort of students anticipated within the next two academic years. University officials described the timing of the gift as particularly significant given recent public health challenges that have highlighted gaps in preparedness and research capacity.

The new school aims to address those gaps through interdisciplinary training that combines epidemiology, policy and data science.

The $200 million commitment comes entirely from the Bursky family foundation, ensuring no additional public funding will be required for the school's launch. Washington University in St. Louis has not disclosed further details on the exact allocation breakdown between endowment, facilities and operating costs.