Alumna named dean of Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health

Alumna Wendy Nembhard, PhD, MPH, FACE, FAHA has been named dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where she has served as professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology.

Nembhard, who earned her MPH in 1997 and PhD in 2000 from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, has built a distinguished career as an epidemiologist, researcher, and academic leader. Her appointment as dean, effective September 1, marks the latest chapter in a career dedicated to advancing public health, improving health outcomes, and addressing health disparities.

"I am deeply honored to serve as dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health," said Nembhard. "I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to strengthen the college's impact and prepare the next generation of public health leaders."

Nembhard's path to academic and public health leadership began at the School of Public Health, where she earned an MPH with a focus in International and Family Health before completing her doctorate in Epidemiology. Since completing her studies, Nembhard has held leadership roles at the College of Public Health, as chair of the Department of Epidemiology, and as Director of the Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and the Arkansas Prevention Research Center for Women’s Health, leading efforts to better understand and address factors contributing to infant mortality and health outcome disparities.

As dean, Nembhard will lead the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health at a time when public health leaders are confronting increasingly complex challenges, from health disparities and chronic disease to emerging infectious diseases and the evolving needs of communities. She'll lead students, staff, and faculty as public health continues to grow.

Nembhard joins a prestigious group of alumni who, since completing their studies at the School of Public Health, have become deans of public health schools across the nation. Her appointment reflects a career rooted in research, education, and service; one shaped by the foundational training she received at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

"I look forward to bringing that perspective to this new role and working collaboratively to advance the college's mission and strengthen its contributions to the health of Arkansas and beyond."