Wendy N. Nembhard was named dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. A faculty member for more than a decade, Dr. Nembhard has served as chair of the college’s department of epidemiology since 2017. She is also a professor in the department of pediatrics in the College of Medicine. Dr. Nembhard currently directs the Arkansas Prevention Research Center for Women’s Health and the Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. Her research centers on maternal and child health, health disparities, congenital conditions, and population health.
Dr. Nembhard is a graduate of Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, where she majored in biology. She holds a master of public health degree and a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Vanessa B. Sheppard was named dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences/Institute of Public Health and assistant vice president for health science enterprise and research innovation at Florida A&M University. Dr. Sheppard comes to her new role from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was an endowed professor and founding dean of the School of Public Health. She served in several other roles at VCU, including associate vice president for population and public health strategic initiatives. Her research centers on cancer prevention, survivorship, medication adherence, health disparities, and community-engaged translational science.
Dr. Sheppard is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science. She holds a master’s degree in sociology and urban affairs from Norfolk State University and a Ph.D. in health services research from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
MiSchelle A. Edwards is dean of students and director of resident life at Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins, Texas. With an extensive background in higher education, Dr. Edwards has experience in student affairs, strategic enrollment management, residence life and housing, student success, and institutional advancement. In her new role, she will oversee student engagement initiatives, residence life operations, student success programs, and efforts that cultivate a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
Dr. Edwards received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and her master’s degree in sociology from Prairie View A&M University in Texas. She holds a Ph.D. in educational management from Hampton University in Virginia.
Renardo Murray is the new dean of graduate studies at Alcorn State University. A longtime faculty member in music education, Dr. Murray has been serving as acting dean of the HBCU’s College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to teaching, he has extensive experience leading student bands, including service as interim director of bands at Jackson State University in Mississippi and director of bands at Alcorn State.
Dr. Murray is an alumnus of Alcorn State University, where he majored in music education. He holds a master’s degree in music education from Jackson State University and a doctorate in the same discipline from the University of Mississippi.
Erika C. Burt has been named dean of business and career and technical education at Oakton College in Illinois. Dr. Burt has more than two decades of experience in higher education, with expertise in academic affairs, institutional strategy, workforce development, grant acquisition and execution, and organizational leadership. Most recently, Dr. Burt was assistant dean of the College of Computing and director of online programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Dr. Burt is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, where she majored in English. She holds a master’s degree in teaching and secondary English from Chicago State University, a master’s degree in divinity and justice from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, and a Ph.D. in leadership in higher education from Concordia University Chicago.
