We are pleased to announce the recent appointments of five new RCAP co-directors. These outstanding individuals and prevention specialists represent a broad range of diverse experiences in providing impactful leadership directed to toward combating HIV/STI, particularly in rural communities. We are excited that they have joined the RCAP team and look forward to working with them.
To view a brief bio for each new co-director, go to the RCAP faculty section.
Gregory Carter, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Community and Health Systems, Indiana University School of Nursing, Bloomington. Dr. Carter has been involved with sexual health and community-based HIV prevention for the previous 17 years. His research focuses on designing studies to identify barriers to HIV screening and creating community-based HIV prevention interventions.
William Cooke, M.D. practices comprehensive family medicine in rural Austin, Indiana. In 2015, the small town where he served as the only doctor ended up with an HIV incidence higher than any country in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Cooke's approach called for a compassionate community where people feel safe accessing care. He has received the Family Physician of the Year for Indiana in 2016 and for the United States in 2019 awards.
Bambi W. Gaddist, Dr. PH has committed the past 40 years of her professional life working in human sexuality with a specific focus on HIV/AIDS/STI community level mobilization, behavioral intervention and research, technical assistance/capacity building, and the elimination of other health disparities. She is co-founder and currently serves as CEO of the South Carolina HIV Council located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Lemuel W. Watson, Ed, D., is Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, Provost Professor of Education and Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. His immediate past position was Dean of the School of Education at Indiana University-Bloomington. Dr. Watson has been recognized as a scholar and researcher on underrepresented groups' issues through speaking invitations and publications over the last three decades.