Managing in Turbulent Times: Emerging Leaders in Public Health

Alumni

Elizabeth A. WilliamsElizabeth A. Williams, BA, MA, PhD

Director of Disparity Elimination, Tennessee Department of Health

 

Area of work: Health Disparities

Elizabeth A. Williams currently holds the title of Director of Disparity Elimination for the Department of Health, State of Tennessee (TDH). As Director of Disparity Elimination, Dr. Williams' primary responsibilities are to promote and ensure the improved health status of people of color and medically under-served populations of the state and to assist the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kenneth Robinson, in these efforts. She engages in policy and program evaluation, coordination of TDH activities, strategic planning and resource development, and information dissemination towards advancing the health issues of affected Tennessee communities.

Prior to returning to Tennessee, Dr. Williams served on the faculty in the Department of Anthropology and Geography at Georgia State University.

Dr. Williams is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, Department of Anthropology, with Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in Applied Medical Anthropology. In addition to these degrees, she holds Graduate Reading Certificates in Behavioral Science and Women's Studies from the Departments of Behavioral Science and Women's Studies, respectively, at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Williams is also a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors' degree in Anthropology.

Personal Information:

I was born in Mississippi, although I consider Tennessee home. I am a second generation anthropologist. My hobbies include: reading, community service, and traveling.

What I would like to get out of this program:

It is my intent to learn management skills, notably as they relate to diversifying organizational workforces. As well, I hope to have the opportunity to learn and interact with colleagues from around the country who are interested in exploring the full potential of public health to serve the needs of increasingly diverse and socially complex communities.