The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced Wendy Nembhard will become dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health later this year.
Nembhard, chair of the college’s Department of Epidemiology since 2017 and a pediatrics professor in UAMS’ College of Medicine, will succeed Mark Williams on Sept. 1, according to a news release. Williams served as the college’s dean since 2019.
“I am thankful and honored for this opportunity to lead the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health,” Nembhard said in the release. “I am excited about what this new chapter holds, both for the college and for public health in the state of Arkansas.”
Nembhard holds a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga., and a Master of Public Health and a Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology from the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, according to the release.
She started professionally as a postdoctoral fellow and research instructor at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, later becoming an associate professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Nembhard’s resume includes a stint as president of the Society for Epidemiologic Research and fellowship status in the American College of Epidemiology, Society for Pediatric Research and the American Heart Association.
Nembhard joined UAMS in 2014 as an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Epidemiology, earning a promotion to professor in both departments within six years.
“Dr. Nembhard’s vision, collaborative leadership style, and longstanding commitment to advancing public health make her exceptionally well prepared to lead the College of Public Health — which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year — into its next chapter,” said Stephanie Gardner, UAMS senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief strategy officer, in the release. “Her deep understanding of UAMS, extensive experience in academic administration, and passion for improving health outcomes will serve the college and our institution well as we continue to expand our impact across Arkansas and beyond.”
