FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2022
Contact: Danielle Miller, dmiller@dillard.edu
504.816.4328
NEW ORLEANS — Dillard University’s Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center launches its lecture series with the first Black Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Joycelyn Elders, on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Georges Auditorium.
The purpose of the lecture series is to provide the Dillard community with the opportunity to learn from public health professionals who have made contributions to American History.
The event will begin with a special documentary screening of “From the Cotton Fields to the White House: The Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story,” followed by a Q&A with Elders and Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Sonnee Weedn, who partnered with filmmakers to create a feature length film about Elders’ work.
Elders is the second woman to lead the U.S. Public Health Service, and the first woman in the state of Arkansas to become board certified in pediatric endocrinology. She currently holds the title of professor emerita at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science.
According to Dr. Michelle Smith, director of the Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center and one of Elders’ mentees, individuals who are interested in careers in medicine and public health will have an appreciation for Elders and her mission to achieve justice and health care for all.
The event is free and open to the public. Individuals who are interested in attending should RSVP here.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
