Christina Terrell named chair of Department of Psychiatry

The University of Louisville School of Medicine has named Christina Terrell, as chair of the Department of Psychiatry, effective October 1, 2026. Terrell, a professor who previously served as the department’s vice chair of clinical affairs and chief of psychiatry at UofL Health-UofL Hospital, brings more than two decades of experience in the department to this role. 

A graduate of the UofL School of Medicine, Terrell also completed her psychiatry residency at UofL and has spent the past 24 years building her career in the department. 

“What excites me most is the opportunity to give back to a department that has given me so much,” said Terrell. “It truly feels like home to me. We have outstanding faculty, staff and trainees, and I’m excited to work with them as we continue to strengthen our clinical programs, enhance education, expand research and better serve our community.” 

As chair, Terrell will provide administrative leadership and strategic direction for the department’s clinical care, education, research, and community engagement. She will work closely with the school and healthcare partner’s leadership to advance the department’s academic mission and support high-quality, safe patient care. 

“Dr. Terrell understands both the strengths of this department and the opportunities ahead,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, dean of the School of Medicine. “Her experience in clinical care, medical education and community collaboration positions her to build on the department’s foundation while helping address the evolving mental health needs of our region. Her leadership will be important to advancing our academic mission and strengthening the impact we make across the communities we serve.” 

Her initial priorities include listening to faculty, staff, trainees and community partners to identify opportunities for continued growth, supporting faculty development, expanding research opportunities and strengthening clinical programs. She also will focus on maintaining the department’s high standards for education and training while building on its existing strengths.  

“Even though I have been part of this department for many years, I believe leadership transitions provide an opportunity to learn from others and gain new perspectives,” said Terrell. “I want to build on the progress that we have made and maintain an environment where people feel supported and able to succeed.” 

As mental health needs continue to grow nationally across Kentucky, Terrell sees the department’s combination of clinical care, education, research and community partnerships as central to its ability to make a meaningful difference.  

Throughout her career in emergency psychiatry, Terrell has worked with state agencies, community organizations, hospitals, law enforcement and local leaders. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of collaboration in improving access to mental health services. 

“Academic psychiatry has a responsibility to be a leader, partner and advocate in our community and region,” she said. “Beyond providing care, we must train the next generation of providers, advance research and work alongside community organizations to develop innovative solutions that improve access to mental health services.” 

The department has expanded its residency training program in recent years to address the national shortage of psychiatrists. Terrell plans to build on that work by growing the faculty, creating additional research opportunities and strengthening partnerships across the university and community. 

Terrell’s interest in psychiatry began in high school, when an abnormal psychology course sparked her interest in understanding human behavior. She was drawn to the field’s combination of science, problem-solving and human connection, as well as the opportunity to help people through some of the most difficult periods of their lives. 

As she begins her tenure as chair, Terrell credits the department’s people as its greatest strength and hopes to foster an environment where faculty, staff, trainees and community partners can continue to thrive. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the trust that has been placed in me and honored to have the opportunity to serve as chair. This department has been my home for nearly quarter of a century, and its greatest strength is its people,” said Terrell. “My goal is to continue to support their success, remove barriers and celebrate accomplishments. I am excited about what we can accomplish together and look forward to helping write the next chapter of the department’s story.”