TMU Dean Nai-Wen Kuo Honoured with Distinguished Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins University

The honour, one of JHU’s highest alumni distinctions, was presented during the university’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Baltimore in October 2025. It recognises individuals whose work demonstrates sustained professional excellence, public service, and global impact.

Founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is widely regarded as the first modern research university in the United States and continues to rank among the world’s leading institutions. In the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it is placed 16th globally.

A graduate of JHU’s public health doctoral programme, Dean Kuo has built a career that spans academic leadership, healthcare management, and international health cooperation. He previously served as Deputy Superintendent (Administration), Taipei Medical University Hospital, and Deputy CEO of the Taipei City Hospital Administration Center, where he led system-wide initiatives in quality improvement and financial management.

At TMU, he has played a key role in advancing international engagement. During his tenure as Dean of the Office of Global Engagement (2011–2016), he expanded the university’s global academic network and established a number of cross-border collaboration and exchange programmes. He later served as Dean of the College of Public Health, strengthening partnerships with leading institutions including JHU, Yale University, and the National University of Singapore, while contributing to national health policy and research initiatives.

His work also extends to broader public health and social impact efforts, including international collaborations on epidemic preparedness and tuberculosis control in Southeast Asia, as well as nationwide initiatives in Taiwan to improve healthcare accessibility.

Reflecting on the recognition, Dean Kuo described the award as deeply meaningful, noting that his experience at Johns Hopkins shaped his professional path and inspired his long-term commitment to improving health and advancing social justice.

The recognition underscores not only his individual achievements but also the longstanding academic and public health ties between TMU and Johns Hopkins University, highlighting TMU’s continued engagement in global health, education, and research collaboration.