Emeriti professors make $1 million gift to UC’s College of Medicine

Henry A. Nasrallah, MD, a neuropsychiatrist, and his wife, Amelia T. Nasrallah, a psychologist, have established an endowed professorship at the UC College of Medicine. Photo/Provided.

Nasrallah, MD, a neuropsychiatrist, and his wife, Amelia T. Nasrallah, a psychologist, have made a $1 million donation to establish an endowed professorship at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where both worked for many years and currently hold emeriti status. Brain research in psychiatry is a central priority for the Nasrallahs, reflecting the focus of their professional careers. Dr. Nasrallah is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, and Amelia is a retired emerita research assistant professor in the department. She is also the senior managing editor of two journals: Schizophrenia Research and Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry, both of which were founded by Dr. Nasrallah in 1988 and 2019 respectively and published by Elsevier.

Their generous gift creates the Dr. Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Endowed Professorship in Psychiatric Neuroscience, the second endowed professorship in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience.

"The Nasrallahs have a special understanding of the needs and challenges of our department and the importance of nurturing faculty talent," said Melissa P. DelBello, MD, MS, Dr. Stanley and Mickey Kaplan Endowed Chair and Professor. "I'm very grateful for this support, which is essential for advancing our department's academic missions."

Jeffrey R. Strawn, MD, and Henry A. Nasrallah, MD. Photo/UC Foundation.

Dr. Nasrallah believes in cultivating academic departments and faculty through philanthropy and encourages others to do so. He himself was inspired by the generosity of his late colleague and Cincinnati philanthropist Stanley M. Kaplan, MD, who created the chair position in 2012, currently held by DelBello.

"Stanley was a well-known philanthropist, and the department continues to benefit from his generosity," said Dr. Nasrallah.

Dr. Nasrallah is pleased that the inaugural professorship has been awarded to an individual who "excels in psychiatric neuroscience and amplifies the hallmarks of academic excellence."

Jeffrey R. Strawn, MD, was named as the Dr. Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Professor in Psychiatric Neuroscience on March 4, 2026. He is also associate vice chair of research and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the department and co-director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training.

"I've known Jeff since he was a medical student 25 years ago," said Dr. Nasrallah. "I've always admired him because he was keenly interested in academics, research and teaching. He has grown dramatically over the years and has become very well known in his field. He truly deserves to be the inaugural Nasrallah professor."

Dr. Strawn said he has long admired Henry and Amelia and the intention, knowledge and care they bring to their work.

"As a first-year resident in general psychiatry, I first met Henry as a psychiatrist and teacher. Over time, I came to know him not only as a clinician, but as a researcher, a patient advocate and an educator. Those early experiences left a lasting impression on me, and they make this endowed professorship a special honor for me."

"Amelia led our department's clinical research management program for more than a decade, and she understands what it takes to move clinical research forward and she has been a strong advocate for it," he added.

This professorship will accelerate the research and development of new treatments in psychiatry and mental health, directly benefiting patients. Dr. Strawn's current research involves clinical trials in pediatric and adult patients with mood and anxiety disorders, as well as the identification of risk factors for these conditions.

"It is difficult to fully express my gratitude for the Nasrallahs' support, their example and their trust," he said. "I am both honored and humbled to serve as the inaugural Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Endowed Professor."

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