The College of Public Health has hosted the Leading Voices
in Public Health lecture series since 2007.

The East Tennessee State University College of Public Health’s Leading Voices in Public Health series is back for the 2024-25 academic year, with Dr. Tommy Rock presenting his lecture titled “Environmental Sustainability of Native American Lands: The Navajo Experience” on Sept. 12. 

Rock, a member of the Navajo Nation and assistant research professor at Northern Arizona University, is known for his work to integrate health, environment and cultural issues from a Native American perspective – specifically as it relates to uranium mining to make better-informed decisions about tribal lands.

He has frequently appeared in major media outlets, and has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives and the National Indian Health Board. 

“The ETSU College of Public Health is very excited to host Dr. Tommy Rock, a renowned academic, for our Leading Voices in Public Health lecture series,” said Dr. Randy Wykoff, dean of the college. “These lectures are great opportunities for our students – and community – to learn about pressing public health issues from leading voices on a variety of subjects, reflecting the board interests and impacts of public health.” 

ETSU regularly invites conversation on important issues, frequently bringing celebrated authors and thinkers to speak on campus. 

Since 2007, the College of Public Health has hosted the Leading Voices in Public Health lecture series which aims to bring internationally respected thought leaders to our region to speak on issues of key importance to the public. 

Rock’s lecture will be held in the Brinkley Center Ballroom, 2004 Millennium Place, Johnson City. A meet and greet reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., with Rock scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4dTVNHG. The event, which is free and open to the public, will also be livestreamed. 


East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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