Erik L. Carlton

Erik L. Carlton, DrPH, MS, CPH, FACHE is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management, and Leadership at the West Virginia University School of Public Health. He also serves as the Director of the Appalachian Health Workforce Institute. A board-certified leader in public health and healthcare administration, Dr. Carlton brings nearly two decades of strategic and transformational leadership experience across public and private sectors.

Education:

• DrPH in Health Services Management – University of Kentucky
• MS in Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy) – University of Kentucky
• BA – California State University, East Bay
• Executive Certificate in Public Leadership – Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government

Research Interests:

Dr. Carlton's research spans global health leadership development, psychological safety in healthcare and higher education, rural health disparities, and integration of public health and healthcare systems. His work emphasizes qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to health services research, with a strong focus on community engagement and workforce development.

Awards & Honors:

• Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives
• Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society, Beta Gamma Chapter
• American College of Healthcare Executives Exemplary, Distinguished, and Regent’s Senior-Level Healthcare Leader Awards
• CAHME-Ascension Award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Development
• Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow
• University of Memphis David C. Burchfield Excellence in Teaching & Learning Award

Professional Leadership & Service:

Dr. Carlton holds numerous leadership roles across national organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Public Health Association, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health. He has trained healthcare leaders from over 70 countries and has consulted for hospital systems, health departments, and universities globally.

Labs & Institutes:

He directs the Appalachian Health Workforce Institute, which focuses on addressing health workforce challenges in rural and underserved Appalachian regions through research, training, and policy development.