Tennessee State Senator Raumesh Akbari visited the UofM School of Public Health

June 5, 2025, Senator Akbari met with Ken Moody, Executive Director, Governmental and Community Affairs for the University of Memphis, Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor, and SPH Community Outreach Representative Steve Shular. Dean Joshi shared his vision for the SPH, “Public health is a lived experience. My goal is to ensure the University of Memphis School of Public Health is one of the most impactful schools in the nation by providing a curriculum that’s solution-centric to our students and staff,” said Dr. Ashish Joshi, Dean and Distinguished University Professor of the UofM School of Public Health. Dean Joshi also emphasized the many partnerships the SPH has with area schools, government agencies, businesses, and community groups.

Senator Akbari was impressed with the school’s recent listing as one of the Top 100 schools of public health in the nation and the success of the University of Memphis Model for the establishment of public health clubs in high schools locally and across the globe.

As their visit concluded, Senator Akbari enthusiastically endorsed the SPH’s many accomplishments and recognitions. “I’d like to use the University of Memphis School of Public Health’s platform to change the community of thought about public health. It’s vital everyone in our state know about the outstanding services being provided by the school. I’m happy to be a partner to share this news with my colleagues at the Tennessee State Legislature in Nashville and other parts of the country. I’m so impressed with the innovative work that’s been accomplished by the University of Memphis to serve the local and international communities," said Senator Akbari.

Photo: (left to right) Tennessee State Senator Raumesh Akbari and Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor

Photo (second from right) Tennessee State Senator Raumesh Akbari (left to right) Ken Moody, Executive Director, Governmental and Community Affairs for the University of Memphis, Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor, and SPH Community Outreach Representative Steve Shular