Dr. Angelita Howard

Dr. Angelita Howard is an educational pioneer and leader passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Currently, she serves as the Founding Dean for Online Education and Expanded Programs at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), a position she has held since 2019.

Under her leadership, MSM has developed several online educational programs, including a Master of Science in Biotechnology which has ranked #1 and #2 over the last three consecutive years, Master of Science in Health Informatics, Master of Administration in Justice-Involved Care, Doctor of Healthcare Administration, and pipeline programs such as the Bridges to Biotechnology and Bioentrepreneurship (B2BB), and Bridge to Health Informatics. Dr. Howard has been a pioneer in promoting online education and has been recognized for her expertise in this field, having been invited to speak at conferences and events across the globe. She has also published several articles on topics related to diversity, health equity, and education.

Dr. Howard holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Master’s degree in both Educational Leadership and Teaching, Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, Master’s degree in Business Administration in Project Management, and more recently, a Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics. She is a board member of various committees at MSM such as the Institutional Effectiveness Committee, Online Oversight Committee, and Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Howard also serves on external committees such as Clayton State University Alumni and the advisory boards for PFx AUC Data Science Center, Personalized Medicine Coalition, and Logan University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Howard has been a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Women of the Year in STEAM Education Award, FECDC’s Pinnacle Leadership Award, and Georgia Bio Community Award. Her leadership and pioneering work in online education and expanding educational pipelines has a transformative impact on education at MSM and underrepresented minority groups. Dr. Howard’s passion for creating a more equitable and inclusive learning environment makes her a valued leader and advocate for underrepresented communities, and her vision and dedication will continue to shape the future of education.

Angelita is the daughter of two amazing supportive parents, the mother to a 20 year-old college daughter who is majoring in Biology, an active member at Grace Baptist Church-Atl and a community leader. In her spare time loves to sleep and sing.

JeffAthens-ClarkeScarbrough

County Fire Chief

Jeff Scarbrough has been serving as Fire Chief of Athens-Clarke County since 2013. Prior to coming to Athens-Clarke County, Chief Scarbrough helped start up Sandy Springs Fire Rescue serving seven years acting as; Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, Public Information Officer, and EMA Coordinator. Prior to Sandy Springs, he served with the Clayton County Fire Department for 26 years, where he started out as a firefighter. Scarbrough has served in operations, EMS, support services, emergency management, and the fire marshal’s office prior to becoming Fire Chief.

Some of the initiatives in Athens Clarke County under Chief Scarbrough’ leadership include improving apparatus replacement, improved service delivery on medical emergency responses (Licensed Medical Responder), stronger community partnerships, improving firefighter safety: Nomex uniforms, Development of a Department Career Path, Development of a Strategic Plan, Updated policies and procedures, initiation of data use for performance management, SPLOST Funding to replace an aging fire station and a second set of PPE for firefighters.

In 2019, Athens Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services under the leadership of Chief Scarbrough, achieved a Class 1 ISO rating; a benchmark reached by less than 1% of the Fire Departments in the United States. Chief Scarbrough was recognized in 2018 by the NE Georgia Region 10 EMS Council by being presented the “Chairman’s Meritorious Award” and is a former Georgia State Firefighters Association Firefighter of the Year recipient and a Build a Better Georgia Award recipient.

Chief Scarbrough is an Executive Fire Officer graduate from the National Fire Academy, has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management with a minor in Homeland Security. He is a graduate of the International Association of Fire Chief’s Executive Chief Officer Development Program.

Chief Scarbrough serves as a member of the N.E. Georgia Region 10 EMS Council and he is active in the community through the Rotary Club of Athens and has been involved with Athens Church as a video production volunteer and a small group leader. Chief Scarbrough has been married to his best friend Lynn for the past 41 years, they have two grown daughters, Tabitha and Tiffany who are married, and they have eight grandchildren; four girls and four boys.