Oreta Marie Samples

Oreta Samples, D.H.Sc. is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the Master of Public Health program at Fort Valley State University's College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology. She holds a Doctor of Health Sciences degree from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Public Health with concentration in Environmental Health from Fort Valley State University.

Dr. Samples has extensive educational background including a Bachelor of Science and Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology from Fort Valley State University. Her academic journey includes an Emerging Infectious Diseases Post-Graduate Certificate from the University of St. Joseph and a Certificate as an On-Line Instructor from Saint Francis University.

Her research interests focus on veterinary public health, zoonotic diseases, environmental health, epidemiology, and One Health approaches. Dr. Samples has made significant contributions to understanding disease transmission between wildlife and humans, particularly examining zoonotic diseases in white-tailed deer, raccoons, and opossums. She has published extensively on veterinary parasitology, clinical pathology, and public health issues affecting rural and minority communities.

Dr. Samples' recent publications demonstrate her expertise across multiple disciplines including veterinary medicine, public health, and environmental science. Her work spans from clinical veterinary topics like foxtail injuries and polypharmacy to broader public health issues such as prostate cancer screening in Black men and obesity among college students. A common thread throughout her research is the intersection of animal health, environmental factors, and human well-being.

• Georgia Board of Regents Chancellors Individual of the Year BRONZE Award (2016)
• Bailus Walker, Jr. Diversity and Inclusion Award (2023) from National Environmental Health Association
• Editorial Board Member for Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association (2023)
• Academic Chair for Georgia Environmental Health Association (2014-2023)

Dr. Samples has successfully mentored numerous students and secured significant grant funding for her research, including multiple Evans-Allen grants totaling over $300,000 and several mini-grants from Morehouse School of Medicine. She serves as a visiting professor at multiple institutions including Capella University, Chamberlain University, and Grand Canyon University, demonstrating her national impact in public health education.

Her laboratory work focuses on zoonotic disease transmission, with current projects examining pathogens in white-tailed deer and their potential transmission to hunters and wildlife processors. She collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions and has established herself as a leader in veterinary public health and One Health approaches.