Indiana University has named Dr. William Tierney a Distinguished Professor, the most prestigious academic appointment the university offers. This honor recognizes faculty whose outstanding scholarship, artistic or literary distinction or other achievements have garnered significant recognition from their peers.
Dr. Tierney is a professor in the Department of Community and Global Health at the Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU Indianapolis. A renowned physician-scientist, informatician, educator and advocate for vulnerable populations, Dr. Tierney’s contributions have transformed patient care and health services both nationally and globally.
Internationally recognized for his role as the founding director of informatics and research for AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare), Dr. Tierney has played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare systems in low-resource settings. AMPATH, a collaboration of more than 20 North American universities with Moi University in Kenya, has been at the forefront of global health initiatives for over 30 years. Under Dr. Tierney’s leadership, AMPATH developed sub-Saharan Africa’s first ambulatory electronic health record, which has since been adopted in more than 50 countries worldwide.
With a career dedicated to equity and innovation in healthcare, Dr. Tierney has significantly enhanced Indiana University’s local, national and international reputation. He has published more than 300 articles and book chapters and has secured over $60 million in research funding. His work spans internal medicine, biomedical informatics and population health, and he has collaborated with researchers across disciplines to improve healthcare systems worldwide.
Dr. Tierney is a former president and CEO of the Regenstrief Institute and chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Wishard/Eskenazi Health and the Department of Population Health at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School. His contributions have earned him election to the National Academy of Medicine, recognizing his groundbreaking multidisciplinary research and leadership in healthcare informatics and population health. His influence extends beyond research, as he has mentored generations of scholars and clinicians committed to advancing healthcare access and quality.
“Naming Dr. Tierney a Distinguished Professor is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary career and impact,” said Nir Menachemi, dean and professor at the Fairbanks School. “His work has not only transformed healthcare delivery in Indiana and across the globe but has also strengthened Indiana University’s leadership in public health and medical informatics. His dedication to improving health equity and mentoring future leaders in the field is truly inspiring.”
Indiana University’s Distinguished Professor title serves as a testament to Dr. Tierney’s remarkable career and impact. Established in 1953, this designation is reserved for faculty members who have demonstrated extraordinary excellence in their respective fields. Nominations are submitted by fellow faculty members and reviewed by the Distinguished Professor Selection Committee, with final endorsement by the university’s president and approval by the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Tierney’s recognition as a Distinguished Professor underscores Indiana University’s commitment to excellence in research, education and public health. His legacy continues to shape the future of healthcare and informatics on a global scale.