Tulane University seeks an exceptional leader and scholar to serve as the next chair of the Department of Epidemiology in the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

On September 18, 2024, the university renamed the school in honor of Tulane graduate Celia Scott Weatherhead, a longtime champion for public health and health equity. Her transformational support will enable Tulane to build on the school’s preeminence in the South and establish it as the premier school of its kind in the United States and among the leading schools in the world.

The school was initially established in 1912, making it the first school of public health in the nation. Today, the Celia Scott Weatherhead School is at the epicenter of the most pressing issues facing public health, including climate change and health inequities. The school is renowned for its research and impact on cardiovascular disease, health disparities, reproductive health, nutrition, and disaster response and displacement.

It is the only school of public health in the United States with a Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, reflecting Tulane’s extensive study of vector-borne diseases and ongoing research in malaria, dengue, and Chagas. The school has rapidly growing strengths in climate change and health, data science and artificial intelligence, and cancer prevention and control.

For nearly two centuries, Tulane University has been synonymous with public health. The university was founded in 1834 to address concerns of cholera, yellow fever, smallpox, and malaria. Tulane is among the top 2% of universities nationwide for sponsored research and is consistently ranked among the top 10% of public health schools.

At this auspicious moment in Tulane’s history, Dean Thomas LaVeist and the Celia Scott Weatherhead School faculty seek to welcome a chair who will build on Epidemiology’s historical success, fostering strategic growth, expanding its impact, and leading the department to new heights.

The ideal candidate will have a robust record of extramural funding, experience in academic administration, and an authentic commitment to advancing institutional equity, diversity, and inclusion.

An earned doctoral degree in epidemiology or a related discipline is required along with a record of scholarship, teaching, and service meritorious of an appointment as a Full Professor at Tulane University.

Learn more and download a detailed leadership profile at wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Tulane University with this search. Application materials can be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. The search committee will commence review in December. Candidates will be considered until an appointment is made. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Philip Tang and Sarah Seavey at TulaneEpiChair@wittkieffer.com.

Tulane University is located in New Orleans—a city with tremendous history of diverse cultures, community, and languages. Tulane University is committed to creating a community and culture that foster a sense of belonging for all. It is a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. The university encourages all qualified candidates to apply. Tulane intentionally seeks candidates who are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in support of Tulane’s Strategy for Tomorrow.