Aubri Rote, Ph.D.

Dr. Aubri Rote is the Director of the North Carolina Center for Health & Wellness and Chair of the Department of Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina Asheville, where she has served on the faculty since 2013. As both an academic leader and scholar, she works at the intersection of research, policy, community engagement, and systems change to improve health outcomes across North Carolina.

As Director of the North Carolina Center for Health & Wellness, Dr. Rote works collaboratively with community, healthcare, and academic partners to advance initiatives that improve health across North Carolina. Her work emphasizes community engagement, strategic partnerships, applied research, and program evaluation to support evidence-informed decision-making and sustainable community impact.

A passionate educator, Dr. Rote has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in health sciences, public health, research methods, exercise physiology, chronic disease, body image, and health promotion for more than a decade. She has mentored dozens of undergraduate researchers and is recognized for creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that prepare future public health and healthcare leaders.

Dr. Rote has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and secured external funding to support research in public health, chronic disease prevention, body image, physical activity, and community-based health initiatives. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to building meaningful partnerships that bridge higher education and community practice, with the goal of improving health for individuals, families, and communities.