Dr. Anthony T. Woart is the Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Public Health, College of Health Professions. He is also the founder and director of the Minority Health Institute. He’s a recipient of numerous federal and state grants supporting his research and health education outreach activities focusing on reducing the burdens of health disparities among the minority and underserved populations in Appalachia. Dr. Woart holds MA and MBA degrees from Jackson State University and a Ph.D. from Boston University. He is a recipient of many academic and civil services honors. Most notably, he is a recipient of the Minority Access Inc. National Role Model Award for Exemplary Achievements in Research Worthy of Emulation. From 2014 to the present, he has been a member of the Mid-Atlantic Health Council Region III (US Office of Minority Health/US Department of Health and Human Services. Also, since 2014, he has been a West Virginia Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission member.
Contact: Woarta@marshall.edu
LaDawna E. Walker Dean, ABD, MSW, BSW
Director, West Virginia Minority Health Initiative
LaDawna Walker-Dean received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Marshall University and a Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University. She is currently in the dissertation phase to obtain her Ph.D. in Social Work with a special emphasis in Social Work Administration at Walden University. Her current research interests are Autism and Minority Health. Mrs. Walker-Dean has over 19 years of professional experience in Social Work and Behavioral Healthcare. Mrs. Walker Dean serves on several academic state advisory boards, state task forces, and committees throughout West Virginia. Mrs. Walker Dean has helped develop Tobacco and Diabetes statewide strategic plans for West Virginia. Mrs. Walker Dean is a part of the West Virginia HEAT (Health Equity Action Team), where the focus is on health equity. Mrs. Walker Dean was nominated and selected for the 2021 Marshall University Staff Diversity Award for embracing Diversity at Marshall University and in the community. Mrs. Walker Dean has developed and conducted state and national conferences related to Health Disparities among racial/ethnic populations in West Virginia, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, Climate Change, Health, and Equity Among Minority and Vulnerable Populations: A Public Health Approach to Environmental Justice, Hospice Disparities, and Healthcare Disparities.
Contact: Ladawna.walker@marshall.edu