East Tennessee State University has appointed Dr. Robert Pack as the next dean of the ETSU College of Public Health. He will assume the role on July 1 upon the retirement of founding Dean Dr. Randy Wykoff.

Pack has served at ETSU for almost two decades. He was associate dean for Academic Affairs and professor of Community and Behavioral Health in the ETSU College of Public Health before stepping into his current role as executive vice provost.

“Dr. Pack’s appointment concludes a national search that drew a highly competitive pool of candidates and underscored the strength and national reputation of the ETSU College of Public Health,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “With almost two decades of experience at ETSU and a deep familiarity with the College of Public Health’s mission, faculty, and community partnerships, Dr. Pack is uniquely positioned to step into this role, ensuring a seamless transition and continued momentum for the college.”

Pack directs the ETSU Addiction Science Center and co-directs the Opioids Research Consortium of Central Appalachia, leading multi-institutional, federally and philanthropically funded initiatives focused on substance use disorder, opioid policy, rural health, and addiction recovery in Appalachian communities.

A practitioner-scholar committed to translating research into real-world impact, Pack’s work spans publications, policy briefs and national presentations to academic, governmental and community audiences. He is the founding board chair of Overmountain Recovery, and has held advisory roles at both regional and national levels. He completed postdoctoral training with Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and earned his Ph.D. and MPH from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“During his time at ETSU, Dr. Pack has already demonstrated an exceptional ability to advance the College of Public Health's reach and reputation, particularly in rural health, addiction science and community-engaged research,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “He understands this institution, this region and the communities we serve. We are confident he will build on the remarkable foundation Dean Wykoff leaves behind.”

The ETSU College of Public Health is a fully accredited school of public health that offers more than a dozen degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, including a wide range of online programs. The college has repeatedly been recognized among the top in the country and houses research centers that address some of the nation’s most important health challenges.

“I am thrilled to have been selected as dean of our excellent ETSU College of Public Health,” Pack said. “Founding Dean Randy Wykoff established a very high standard of leadership, and the work he and his leadership team have done since the college was founded in 2007 has been nothing short of remarkable. The faculty, staff and students are impressive, energetic and mission-focused. I am excited for the future of the college. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Provost McCorkle, President Noland and all of our partners on campus, in the region and in the state to provide high-impact educational opportunities for our students.”