Austin is the first associate dean for public health programs in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, transitioning to Virginia Tech after a distinguished tenure as associate dean, professor, and senior scientist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Public Health, where she made significant contributions to the field.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of growing a public health program that is very intentionally linked to a specific location,” Austin said. “The focus on rural health, Appalachian health, that was a big draw to me.” Her enthusiasm highlights a commitment to enhancing health outcomes in communities often overlooked by larger health initiatives.
“Very quickly, I got interested in sociology of health and medical sociology, focusing on how institutions and structures within society impact individuals’ health,” Austin said. “That’s where my focus on vulnerable populations and also stigmatized and marginalized populations developed.” Her dedication to research has been particularly impactful in areas related to LGBTQ health and homelessness, exploring how systemic challenges affect healthcare access and outcomes for these groups.
The strong emphasis of Virginia Tech’s public health program on serving the Appalachia community aligns perfectly with Austin’s extensive professional background and personal interests. “I absolutely can see how I could contribute to research in those areas,” Austin said, emphasizing her eagerness to collaborate with local communities and researchers to address pressing health issues.
“One of the really unique things I was very excited about with this program is the emphasis on One Health, thinking about how animal, human and environmental health all fit together,” Austin said, underlining her belief in the interconnectedness of health disciplines. “The fact that they were already leaning into that told me that there are smart people here who recognize these opportunities already. I was excited about that, because I knew that we could build on that.”
Interest in developing a public health degree program at Virginia Tech extends back decades. After a three-year exploratory committee, Virginia Tech’s public health program began in 2010 with a Master of Public Health. A bachelor’s degree was introduced in 2018, now serving a vibrant community of 350 majors and 125 minors.
Austin said much of her focus will be expanding educational opportunities for students and creating connections with communities, ensuring “they truly have a heart to go back and serve those communities.” She envisions a program where students are not only educated but also deeply engaged with the populations they aim to help.
For Austin, that all circles back to the university motto, Ut Prosim, which encapsulates her service-minded philosophy and was a major factor in her decision to join Virginia Tech. “The more I read about Virginia Tech and particularly, Ut Prosim, I just dove in,” Austin said. “I was just so interested.”
**Interview with Dr. Austin, the New Associate Dean for Public Health Programs at Virginia Tech**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Austin! It’s great to have you here. You recently transitioned to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine as its first associate dean for public health programs. What motivated you to make this move?
**Dr. Austin:** Thank you for having me! I am truly excited about this new opportunity. My decision was largely influenced by Virginia Tech’s commitment to public health, particularly its focus on rural health and the unique challenges faced by communities in the Appalachian region. This alignment with my professional interests and my desire to make a meaningful impact in these often-overlooked areas was a big draw for me.
**Editor:** It’s fantastic to hear that you’re passionate about rural and Appalachian health. Can you share some insights into what you hope to achieve in this role?
**Dr. Austin:** Absolutely. My goal is to expand the public health program in ways that directly enhance health outcomes for vulnerable and marginalized populations. I have a strong background in medical sociology and how societal structures impact health. I want to apply that knowledge here, particularly addressing areas like LGBTQ health and homelessness, by implementing strategies that improve healthcare access for these groups.
**Editor:** You mentioned your interest in the sociology of health. How do you think this perspective influences public health initiatives?
**Dr. Austin:** Understanding the sociology of health is crucial because it allows us to see beyond individual behaviors and look at the broader societal factors that influence health outcomes. By studying how institutions and social structures affect health, we can develop more effective public health strategies that are sensitive to the needs of diverse populations—especially those who are often marginalized.
**Editor:** That’s a very insightful perspective. As you settle into your new role, what are your immediate priorities?
**Dr. Austin:** My immediate priority is to assess the existing public health programs and identify areas for growth, particularly those that emphasize community engagement and collaboration. I want to ensure that our initiatives are rooted in the realities of the communities we serve and effectively address their specific health challenges. Additionally, I aim to foster partnerships that will enhance our research and outreach efforts.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have a clear vision for the future. How do you envision collaborating with faculty and staff at Virginia Tech to achieve these goals?
**Dr. Austin:** Collaboration is key! I plan to engage with faculty and staff across disciplines, leveraging their expertise to develop interdisciplinary approaches to public health. By working together, we can create innovative solutions that address the complexities of health in our communities. I’m eager to learn from my colleagues and build a supportive network that facilitates this work.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Austin, for sharing your vision and insights. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you’ll have on public health at Virginia Tech and beyond.
**Dr. Austin:** Thank you! I’m excited to get started and be part of this important work.
