Meharry 150th Anniversary
Meharry Medical College has been forever on the path — guided by compassion, driven by purpose, and committed to advancing access to health care for all. From a single act of kindness that sparked our founding in 1876 to a century and a half of transformative education, groundbreaking research, and dedicated service, our mission has remained unwavering: to prepare servant leaders who heal, innovate, and advocate for the communities they serve.
As we celebrate the Sesquicentennial of our great institution, we honor the courage and vision of those who came before us, celebrate the impact of the Meharrians leading change today, and look ahead to a future where health care is more accessible, more innovative, and more compassionate.
Join us as we continue our journey — forever on the path toward a healthier, brighter future.
Meharry’s Campus Through the Years
Meharry Medical College’s campus has evolved from a four-story building into a vibrant academic community. Rooted in tradition and dedicated to service, our campus continues to grow as a place where innovation, education, and service to mankind thrive.
Stories that define Meharry
For nearly 150 years, Meharry Medical College has been more than an institution — it’s a collection of powerful stories that reveal resilience, innovation and purpose. From trailblazing alumni who transformed health care to groundbreaking research shaping the future of medicine, these stories reflect our enduring mission: to serve the underserved and uplift communities through education, discovery and compassion.
Kafayat Kareem, a fourth-year medical student (MS4) at Meharry Medical
Nashville, TN — Meharry Medical College announced today that the
Brian C. Strong, a master’s student in data science at
Meharry’s rich history
Since 1876, Meharry Medical College has been a pioneer in training Black physicians, dentists, scientists, and health care leaders dedicated to advancing health access and equity. From breaking barriers in medical education to leading public health innovation, Meharry’s legacy is rooted in service to communities often left behind.
Leaders and Visionaries
From its earliest days, Meharry Medical College has been guided by leaders whose vision, courage, and commitment transformed a bold idea into a lasting legacy.
Pioneers
1876
In the 1820s, a young Ohioan named Samuel Meharry was helped by a recently freed couple, and their kindness inspired him to provide the support needed to create Meharry Medical College, the first medical school in the South, to offer four years of training. In 1876, co-founders Dr. W.G. Sneed and Dr. George W. Hubbard welcomed 11 students in a church basement, laying the foundation for a school dedicated to service and improving health care.
Leadership
2025
Including leaders from Meharry’s earliest years and those whose roles were less formally defined, Dr. James E.K. Hildreth stands as the 12th president in the institution’s history. Under his leadership, Meharry continues to build on its proud legacy—expanding access to health care, advancing groundbreaking research, and preparing future generations of health professionals to transform the communities they serve.
150 Years Starts Now
Our sesquicentennial countdown began with the voices that make Meharry what it is. This video brings together stories from our students, faculty and staff—each one reflecting the purpose, passion and promise that have shaped Meharry for 150 years.Their journeys remind us that our legacy lives on through the people who carry it forward.
150 Anniversary Event
Meharry Medical College marks 150 years with a yearlong series of events honoring its rich history, celebrating its impact today, and shaping the future of health care for generations to come.
Campaign 150: Forever on the Path
Rooted in a legacy of service and leadership, Meharry Medical College is charting the path forward through Campaign 150 — an ambitious effort to advance education, expand care and spark innovation in research.
Together, we can build healthier communities, empower future physicians and scientists, and transform health care for generations to come.
Experience the Power of Philanthropy
Watch our Campaign 150 video.
News
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Dr. Lawrence Burns, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and Associate Professor
