Joe Coulter, professor emeritus of community and behavioral health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Joe had a very distinguished career that was notable for his strong commitment to public health, environmental justice, addressing health disparities, and promoting the health and well-being of Native communities.

He came to the University of Iowa in 1985, when he accepted the role of head of the Department of Anatomy in the College of Medicine. He subsequently served as the chair of the Neuroscience Graduate Program and as a faculty member for the American Indian and Native Studies Program. From 1999 to 2004, Joe was the associate provost for diversity and director of opportunity with the Office of the Provost. He came to the College of Public Health in 2004, when he was appointed the college’s associate dean for diversity and joined the faculty as professor of community and behavioral health. 

His many accomplishments include serving as chair for the Iowa Advisory Committee of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, as well as serving on the Iowa Commission on Native American Affairs in the Iowa Department of Human Rights, and the American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus of the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities with the Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.

Read more about Joe’s career and his work advocating for Native communities.

Service arrangements and obituary can be found here.  

RSVP for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, Nov. 21.