I get to teach and talk about public health every day. Whether talking to teenagers about mental health, helping my students plan out a campus health activity or sharing lessons learned with fellow practitioners, it is all making a difference.
Elizabeth Wachira, Ph.D. Associate Professor
- Faculty
Public health is her purpose. Empowerment is her mission. Dr. Elizabeth Wachira is an Associate Professor and Public Health Program Director at East Texas A&M University, bringing over 15 years of experience in nursing, health promotion and education. Her distinctive teaching style integrates service-learning concepts, providing students with opportunities to bridge theory with practice and make a tangible impact in their communities. Dr. Wachira is dedicated to supporting the academic success and well-being of her students as they prepare to become the next generation of public health leaders.
This commitment extends beyond the classroom, driven by her belief that education is a catalyst for both personal and societal transformation. She actively engages in initiatives that foster belonging, well-being and a sense of community. Whether training future change agents or facilitating grassroots initiatives, Dr. Wachira strives to create spaces where individuals can discover their purpose and contribute meaningfully to the greater good.
A Conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Wachira
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending East Texas A&M?
Think of this decision like picking the right pair of shoes for you; they all look good, but what really matters is how they make you feel. If they hurt after one hour or squeeze your small toe, nice or not, you won't wear them. At East Texas A&M, you will not only get the education you seek out but how you feel, your experience here, will make those years impactful and unforgettable. The small class sizes allow learning to go beyond simply lectures to intentional conversations with faculty and peers. The opportunity to learn through service equips you for the job ahead but allows you to build the confidence needed to tackle any ‘out of the textbook’ scenario you will face.
What makes you passionate about public health?
My passion to make a difference in society is what wakes me up every day. Public health gives me a platform to create real, lasting impact in my community while leveraging my expertise to improve lives. It is the space where passion and purpose intersect for me. My skillset as a planner and communicator allows me to meet people where they are, walk alongside them to identify needs, and connect them to resources that foster better outcomes. This passion extends to initiatives such as the Public Health Showcase, the annual Student Health Fair, and World AIDS Day, which provide vital health education to our campus community. These events also serve as invaluable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and practical skills, often through internships. Seeing students grow and thrive as they apply their knowledge in real-world settings inspires me and reaffirms my commitment to public health.
Tell us about a project you are working on or recently completed.
Recently, I had the privilege of conducting evaluation site visits with Help A Child Africa to assess WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs in remote rural communities in Kenya. This eye-opening experience highlighted the incredible work public health champions are doing to empower communities and ensure access to clean water for all. It was a powerful reminder that whether I am training the next generation of change agents or engaging in grassroots initiatives, the work I do truly matters. Together, through conversations, policy changes, and community action, we can make a lasting impact. Inspired by this experience, I've also been refining a book chapter focused on disability in Sub-Saharan Africa, a project that continues to challenge and grow me as a writer.
Additionally, I am the co-editor of a forthcoming book that explores health issues at the intersection of race, gender, and socioeconomics in maternal care. This groundbreaking resource focuses on evidence-based approaches such as trauma-informed care and maternal education to tackle systemic barriers and improve mental health outcomes for Black mothers and their families. Projects like this align with my mission to contribute to meaningful conversations and solutions that prioritize health equity and well-being.
And here's where I give a shoutout to those online peer responses that are due by 11:59 p.m. (Yes,those ones.) My co-editor was once my classmate during our PhD program, and those peer responses—often frantically typed out right before the deadline—evolved into comp study sessions, dissertation support, and now, a groundbreaking collaboration. Fast-forward ten years, and we're working together on a project that will inform public health practice for generations to come. So, to current students: don't underestimate the power of those peer response activities—they might just be planting the seeds for your next big collaboration or opening doors you never imagined!
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Health Studies, Texas Woman’s University, 2017
- MPH, Social Behavioral Sciences and Community Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 2012
- BSN, Nursing, University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, 2007
Certifications and Licensure
- Certificated Health Education Specialist (CHES), National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, 2012-Present
- Certified in Public Health, National Board of Public Health Examiners, 2012-Present
- Registered Nurse, Texas Board of Nursing, 2007-Present
Featured Courses
- HHPH 550: Diversity in Health
- HHPH 660: Global Health
- HHPH 597: Emerging Trends & Innovation in Public Health
- HHPH 585: Program Design in Health Promotion