Dr. Anthony T. Woart is the Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Public Health, College of Health Professions. He is also the founder and director of the Minority Health Institute. He’s a recipient of numerous federal and state grants supporting his research and health education outreach activities focusing on reducing the burdens of health disparities among the minority and underserved populations in Appalachia. Dr. Woart holds MA and MBA degrees from Jackson State University and a Ph.D. from Boston University. He is a recipient of many academic and civil services honors. Most notably, he is a recipient of the Minority Access Inc. National Role Model Award for Exemplary Achievements in Research Worthy of Emulation. From 2014 to the present, he has been a member of the Mid-Atlantic Health Council Region III (US Office of Minority Health/US Department of Health and Human Services. Also, since 2014, he has been a West Virginia Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission member.
Contact: Woarta@marshall.edu
LaDawna E. Walker Dean, ABD, MSW, BSW
Director, West Virginia Minority Health Initiative
LaDawna Walker-Dean received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Marshall University and a Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University. She is currently in the dissertation phase to obtain her Ph.D. in Social Work with a special emphasis in Social Work Administration at Walden University. Her current research interests are Autism and Minority Health. Mrs. Walker-Dean has over 20 years of professional experience in Social Work and Behavioral Healthcare. Mrs. Walker Dean serves on several academic state advisory boards, state task forces, and committees throughout West Virginia. Mrs. Walker Dean has helped develop Tobacco and Diabetes statewide strategic plans for West Virginia. Mrs. Walker Dean is a part of the West Virginia HEAT (Health Equity Action Team), where the focus is on health equity. Mrs. Walker Dean was nominated and selected for the 2021 Marshall University Staff Diversity Award for embracing Diversity at Marshall University and in the community. Mrs. Walker Dean has developed and conducted state and national conferences related to Health Disparities among racial/ethnic populations in West Virginia, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, Climate Change, Health, and Equity Among Minority and Vulnerable Populations: A Public Health Approach to Environmental Justice, Hospice Disparities, and Healthcare Disparities.
Contact: Ladawna.walker@marshall.edu
Stephen McGill, BA, MPH
Health Education Specialist
Stephen K. McGill is an experienced public health expert and advocate with a passion for community development and health education. He earned his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Marshall University in 2024, and holds a Diploma in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights from Lund University in Mamoii, Sweden, as well as a BA in Psychology from Temple University and an A.A. in Science Teaching and Behavioral Health from the Community College of Philadelphia.
Stephen is the Co-founder and CEO of Stop AIDS in Liberia (SAIL), an organization focused on combating HIV/AIDS and advancing public health initiatives across Liberia. His work has been instrumental in raising awareness, advocating for affected communities, and securing access to vital healthcare services, leaving a lasting impact on public health efforts in the region.
He also has significant experience in community outreach, having worked as a Community Outreach Worker for two years, where he helped connect underserved communities with essential resources. Currently, Stephen serves as the Health Education Specialist, focusing on health promotion and outreach, where he works to improve health outcomes by promoting preventive measures and educating communities on healthy living.
In addition to his role at SAIL, Stephen is the owner of Keystone Diversified Inc. (KDC), and a dedicated volunteer at the Cabell-Huntington Health Department and Unlimited Future Inc. His commitment to public health and social change continues to inspire and lead efforts to improve health equity both locally and globally.
Contact: mcgill24@marshall.edu
Seble Abiyu, MSc, MD, MPH Candidate
Administrative Assistant
Minority Health Institute
Seble Girmay Abiyu is a dedicated medical doctor and public health expert with over seven years of experience in leadership, program management, and clinical care. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Marshall University, she is committed to advancing impactful health policies and interventions. She holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Gondar, a Master of Science in International Health from LMJU (via a UNICAF scholarship), and a Global Health and Humanitarian Medicine certificate from MSF-UK. As an Innovate Health Africa Fellow, she continues to drive transformative health solutions.
Seble has led the design and implementation of projects funded by ECHO, the European Union, USAID, UNICEF, UNOCHA, and GAC, managing programs from inception to evaluation. With expertise in health needs assessments, strategic project design, budget planning, and program execution, she has worked closely with government agencies, UN bodies, NGOs, and private sector partners. Her previous roles with Action Against Hunger (ACF), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the public sector have included leading emergency response efforts and overseeing initiatives in nutrition, Non-Communicable Diseases, HIV, and tuberculosis. Passionate about global health equity, she continues to bridge clinical expertise with strategic public health leadership.
Contact: abiyu@marshall.edu