Dr. Paul Cotton, director of the Office of Extramural Research Activities (OERA) at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), has passed away. A respected and dedicated leader, he was known for his professionalism and deep commitment to advancing the science of health disparities.
Dr. Cotton’s career in federal service began in 2000 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he started as a scientist and later served as a national program leader for public health nutrition. He then brought his expertise to the National Institutes of Health, serving in key roles as a program director at the National Institute of Nursing Research and an assistant division director at the Center for Scientific Review.
After a period in a leadership role at the USDA, he was pleased to return to NIH in 2020. He began as a lead program officer at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and was then named OERA director at NIMHD. As director, he served as the Institute’s expert on NIH extramural policy, working tirelessly to ensure NIMHD alignment with procedures and to oversee grants management and scientific review.
Dr. Cotton earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from his alma mater, Howard University, where he also gave back as a faculty member and celebrated wrestling coach. His life outside of work also reflected a deep commitment to community through longtime membership and leadership in service organizations.
Those who worked with Dr. Cotton will remember him not just for his many accomplishments, but for his kindness, generosity, and the integrity he brought to every interaction. He was a leader who showed genuine care for others and brought warmth and thoughtfulness to his work.
Dr. Cotton's passing will be deeply felt by his colleagues at NIMHD and across the entire NIH community. He will be remembered not only for his impactful contributions but for the remarkable spirit he brought to our work and community.