When veteran academician Dr. Anna Cherrie Epps took on a challenging new role this fall, she shattered the proverbial “glass ceiling” on several fronts. As the new president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, Epps not only became the first woman to lead one of the nation’s major independent medical colleges, but she is also believed to be the first person of her age to take on such a position, at the age of 83.
Epps has been part of Meharry’s administration in one capacity or another since 1994. She was vice president and dean of the School of Medicine from 1997 to 2002, according to Meharry. Epps is the only African-American woman with a Ph.D. to become dean of a U.S. medical school. She had also served as vice president for academic affairs and professor of internal medicine at the college.
Epps had been serving as interim president of Meharry since May when then-president Dr. Wayne Riley abruptly took a leave of absence after losing the support of his board leadership. Epps was quietly appointed Meharry president in September after Riley resigned.
Over the span of her career, Epps has accumulated considerable firepower and experience, all of which observers say she will need in helping Meharry tackle its future challenges. Her background includes having considerable knowledge about the accreditation processes of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. She is an emeritus member of the Georgetown University Board of Regents.
