Nandi A. Marshall, DrPH, a professor and associate dean at Georgia Southern University’s Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, has been named president of the American Public Health Association (APHA). APHA is recognized as the oldest and largest organization for public health professionals in the United States.
Marshall started her presidential term on November 5, after serving a year as president-elect. Her role will span three years on APHA’s executive board: one year as president, followed by a year as immediate past president.
With over 20 years of experience in community-focused public health, Marshall is known for her leadership in promoting maternal and child health equity and for her efforts to prepare future public health professionals. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College, a master’s in public health from East Stroudsburg University, and a Doctor of Public Health from Georgia Southern University.
“Dr. Marshall’s appointment to lead APHA is a tremendous national recognition of her contribution to public health — and a reflection of Georgia Southern’s growing impact on the global public health landscape,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her commitment to community partnership, workforce development and health equity exemplifies the values we strive to instill in every graduate of our distinctive public health college.”
Marshall has focused her career on connecting lived experiences with scientific research to promote fairer health outcomes.
“I’m deeply honored to serve as APHA president,” Marshall said. “Public health calls us to listen to communities, honor their wisdom and work together to build the equitable systems that recognize health as a human right. Equity is not an outcome — it’s a commitment. And I’m grateful to continue this work with purpose, courage and love alongside partners across the country.”
APHA was established in 1872 and now represents more than 25,000 members nationwide. The association brings together practitioners, researchers, educators, and policymakers with the goal of advancing evidence-based initiatives that support equitable health for all.
