James E. K. Hildreth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James E. K. Hildreth
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Hildreth at Meharry Medical College workshop in 2018
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James Earl Hildreth
December 27, 1956 |
| Education | Harvard University 1979 Oxford University 1982 |
| Alma mater | Johns Hopkins School of Medicine |
| Known for | HIV/AIDS research |
| Spouse(s) | Phyllis King (1980–) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Inductee, Arkansas Black Hall of Fame 2009 Frederick C. Greenwood Award 2012 Nashvillian of the Year 2021 |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Immunology |
| Institutions | Meharry Medical College |
Dr. James Earl King Hildreth, born on December 27, 1956, is an American scientist. He studies the body's immune system, which fights off diseases. He is also a leader in education.
He is currently the president of Meharry Medical College, a famous school for doctors and scientists. Dr. Hildreth is well-known for his important research on HIV/AIDS. He was also the first African American to become a full professor in basic science at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. A famous doctor, Edward D. Miller, called him "one of the most important HIV researchers in the world."
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Earl Hildreth was born in Camden, Arkansas, on December 27, 1956. His parents were Lucy and R.J. Hildreth. When his father passed away in 1968 from kidney cancer, it inspired James to become a doctor.
He learned that students from Harvard University often got into medical schools. So, he decided to go to Harvard for his college studies. He was the top student at Camden High School and was accepted into Harvard.
College and Beyond
At Harvard, James studied chemistry. He worked as a carpenter to help pay for his schooling. In 1978, he applied for a special scholarship called the Rhodes Scholar program. He was accepted, becoming the first African American Rhodes Scholar from Arkansas.
He graduated from Harvard in 1979 with a chemistry degree. He earned high honors for his studies. Later that year, he began attending Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar. There, he studied how certain immune cells, called cytotoxic T cells, work. He became an expert in special ways to study cells.
Dr. Hildreth discovered a protein during his graduate studies. This discovery later helped create a medicine called Raptiva. This medicine was used to treat a skin condition called psoriasis. In 1982, he earned his PhD in immunology. Then, in 1987, he earned his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Career Highlights
After finishing his studies at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Hildreth began his teaching career. He became an assistant professor and later earned tenure. This meant he was the first African American in 125 years to earn full-time tenure in basic sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He later became an associate dean there.
In 2005, he became the director of a research center at Meharry Medical College. This center focused on health differences related to AIDS. In 2009, he was honored by being inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.
Leadership and Awards
In 2011, Dr. Hildreth became the dean of the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences. The next year, in 2012, he received the Frederick C. Greenwood Award. This award recognized his important work and research on HIV/AIDS in African Americans. That same year, he also received the Knowledge for the World Award from Johns Hopkins University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hildreth has taught many students. He has guided 19 PhD students and many postdoctoral researchers. Many of them have gone on to have successful careers in science. In 2015, he returned to Meharry Medical College. He became the president and chief executive officer.
He also received the National Institute of Health Director's Pioneer Award. This award is given to a few creative scientists each year. It honors those who use new ways to solve big health challenges. As of July 2025, he serves on the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. President Joe Biden appointed him to this task force.
Community Impact
In March 2020, Dr. Hildreth suggested a plan for COVID-19 testing. This plan focused on helping minority communities. Because of his idea, Meharry Medical College set up testing centers for the city of Nashville.
The Nashville Scene newspaper recognized his leadership. They named him Nashvillian of the Year in 2021. This was for his efforts in Nashville's fight against the pandemic. He has appeared on many national news programs and in newspapers. He shares his knowledge about COVID-19 science and health differences. In December 2022, Modern Healthcare voted him one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders.
Research on HIV/AIDS
Dr. Hildreth's research mainly focuses on stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS. He has been working on this since the AIDS epidemic began in the early 1980s. His lab found that a protein called LFA-1 helps HIV-1 infect cells.
His work has greatly helped the field of HIV research. He has published over 100 scientific papers and holds 11 patents. For example, he showed that HIV-1 uses parts of human cells to its advantage. He also observed how certain cell structures are involved in HIV-1's spread.
In 1986, he started research to create a special cream. This cream would block HIV infections. He tested this cream in Zambia and South Africa in the 2000s. Dr. Hildreth has also worked in the Southern United States. Many new HIV infections there are among African Americans. His work has included partnering with local churches. They help educate Black communities about HIV.
Personal Life
Dr. Hildreth lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He married Phyllis King in 1980. They have two children.
