Shawnté Elbert

Shawnté is a Part-Time Contributing Faculty member for the College of Health Professions in the Ph.D. Health Education and Promotion program. She is a graduate of East Carolina University with a BS in Health Education and Promotion with a concentration in Worksite Health. She received her MA degree in Wellness from Chatham University and completed her Ed.D. from St. Thomas University in Educational Leadership and Management. Shawnté is a Master's Certified Health Education Specialist, a Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach.

Dr. Elbert is a trailblazer in the realm of college health and wellness, with a distinguished career spanning over 18 years. Starting as a health educator and progressing to a senior administrator, she's made an indelible mark on higher education. Her journey, however, has evolved and expanded, culminating in her current role as the Chief Health Equity Officer for Columbus Public Health (CPH).

At CPH, Dr. Elbert is entrusted with the critical mission of protecting the health and improving the lives of Columbus residents. She addresses pressing public health issues such as infant mortality, basic needs, access to care and health literacy. In her capacity as the Division Administrator for the Center for Public Health Innovation, she confronts an issue of paramount importance: naming racism as a public health crisis.

Under her leadership, the Center is committed to increasing Columbus' life expectancy by reducing racial health disparities and elevating the overall quality of life. Dr. Elbert's expertise in health equity, cultivated through her years in college health and wellness, positions her as a catalyst for transformative change. Her deep understanding of mentorship, leadership development, and public health administration aligns seamlessly with the Center's vision of creating a healthier, more equitable Columbus.

Dr. Elbert's journey is not just a testament to her unwavering commitment to campus well-being and health equity but also a symbol of her evolution as a leader dedicated to addressing broader societal issues. Her influence extends well beyond the campus, now reaching into the heart of the community she serves, where she continues to empower and uplift those who need it most, fostering a healthier and more equitable future for generations to come.

Education

EdD, St. Thomas University

MA, Chatham University

BS, East Carolina University