SPH Recognizes Shelby County Health Department Director’s Impact at Recognition Event

June 30, 2025 - On Monday, June 30, The University of Memphis School of Public Health hosted a celebratory recognition event to highlight the impact Dr. Michelle Taylor — the Shelby County Health Department Director — has had on the SPH Community, Shelby County and the city of Memphis as a whole.

Dr. Taylor will begin her new role as the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department in Baltimore, Maryland.

To kick-off the event, Provost David J. Russomanno gave his opening remarks, followed by words of appreciation from Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor. Dean Joshi presented Dr. Michelle Taylor with the inaugural SPH CARES Champion Award for her “tireless commitment and dedication towards improving public health and advancing the mission and vision of the University of Memphis School of Public Health”.

Dr. Jan Young, Executive Director of the Assisi Foundation shared her thoughts on Dr. Michelle Taylor’s impact. Dr. Michelle Taylor offered her parting comments, thanking the SPH for its partnership and its service to the City of Memphis. Dr. Nichole Saulsberry-Scarboro, from PH IDEAS Workforce and Strategic Partnerships Director concluded the event with her final send off.

Center Dr. Michelle Taylor, former Shelby County Health Department Director, (L) Dr. Nichole Saulsberry-Scarboro, from PH IDEAS Workforce and Strategic Partnerships Director and (R) Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor

Dr. Michelle Taylor, former Shelby County Health Department Director

(L-R) Provost David J. Russomanno, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, The University of Memphis and Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor

Inaugural SPH CARES Champion Award