James (Jim) Florence serves as Professor and Dean of the Department of Public at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy. Jim holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree in preventive care and a master’s degree in public health (MPH) from Loma Linda University in California. He also holds master’s degrees in biology and theology.
Before coming to Appalachian College of Pharmacy in 2022, he helped create two graduate public health education programs—a Master of Public Health program at Liberty University in Virginia, and the first school of public health in Tennessee at East Tennessee State University, where he served as inaugural faculty and chair of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. In those positions, and in a prior position at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, he engaged in community health research and health professions training programs for rural Appalachia.
Jim has conducted numerous corporate, religious, and community-based health seminars, including state and national training conferences. His current position on the faculty of ACP presents health professions students and graduates an opportunity to extend their professional education into evidence-based approaches to community health intervention and practice.
Jim lives in Piney Flats, Tennessee with his wife, Annette, and two dogs—Macy and Max. The Florence’s have three grown daughters and four grandchildren.
