Inside the classroom, public health often begins with frameworks, definitions, and foundational concepts. In Dr. Nythea Tolbert’s Introduction to Public Health course at Morehouse College, it extends far beyond that. Through her Beyond the Textbook Series, Dr. Tolbert has created a learning experience that connects students directly with the people, perspectives, and real-world challenges shaping the field today.
Over the course of the semester, students have engaged with a range of topics brought to life by leading voices in public health. From exploring the history of public health to unpacking the complexities of health disparities, each session has offered a deeper look at how systems, policies, and communities intersect. Conversations around policy and power, led by Jimmie Smith Jr., MD, encouraged students to think critically about influence and access, while discussions on chronic disease with Dr. Tyra Ellis examined long-term health outcomes through both data and lived experience. Students were also introduced to the fundamentals of epidemiology through sessions led by Dr. Jigsa Tola, along with broader conversations around public health interventions and their impact at the community level.
The series recently culminated in a powerful discussion on the social determinants of health, led by Stephanie Miles-Richardson, Associate Dean of Graduate Education in Public Health at Morehouse School of Medicine. For Dr. Tolbert, the moment carried added significance, as Dr. Miles-Richardson served as a mentor throughout her own journey in public health. Bringing that mentorship full circle into the classroom created a meaningful experience not only for Dr. Tolbert, but also for the students, who were able to learn from a leader whose career reflects both scholarship and service.
What sets the Beyond the Textbook Series apart is its emphasis on connection. Students are not only learning key concepts but also hearing directly from professionals who are actively shaping the field. These sessions provide insight into career pathways, expose students to diverse perspectives, and reinforce the importance of public health in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing communities today.
Through this approach, Dr. Tolbert continues to build a classroom environment rooted in relevance, engagement, and purpose. By inviting experts to share their time and expertise, she is helping to prepare the next generation of public health leaders with both the knowledge and the perspective needed to make a lasting impact.