Photo by @MeharryMedical
President James E.K. Hildreth, PhD, MD is presented with the medallian of Meharry Medical College.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. James E.K. Hildreth, PhD, MD was officially inaugurated as Meharry Medical College's 12th President at Saturday's Investiture Ceremony, held at The Temple Church. It was the final act of a week-long celebration commemorating the former University of California dean's appointment and return to Nashville.
Hildreth previously worked as a professor and researcher at Meharry from 2005 to 2011. He was the founding director of the school's Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research. He then left to serve as dean of the University of California, Davis' College of Biological Sciences but returned last year.
In an interview with The Tennesseean, Hildreth acknowledged challenges the college faces while shedding light on what he believes is the best path forward. "I've been trying to emphasize that there's a bright future ahead of us," Hildreth stated in the newspaper.
Hildreth has been leading the school since July, but the appointment was made official with this week's ceremony.
At the age of 11, Hildreth lost his father to cancer, which was a driving force that pushed him into medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, became a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University and then received his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University.
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
Founded in 1999, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance bridges institutions of Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University. Its mission is to enrich learning and advance clinical research by developing and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University and the communities they serve.