East Tennessee State University’s College of Public Health is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of alumnus Mike Whittenbarger, a 1992 graduate of ETSU’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (BSEH) program, who has been appointed Director of the Nuclear and Radiological Protection Division (NRPD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Whittenbarger assumes leadership of a critical division responsible for protecting workers, the public, and the environment through advanced nuclear and radiological safety programs. In this role, he will oversee initiatives that support the laboratory’s world-class research mission while maintaining radiological protection.
A Certified Health Physicist, Whittenbarger brings more than 34 years of experience at ORNL to the position. Most recently, he served as group leader for Nuclear Measurements and Analytical Services. According to an organizational announcement from ORNL’s Environment, Safety, Health and Quality Directorate, Whittenbarger has led significant advancements in radiological worker training, dosimetry processes, and innovative technologies such as robotic emergency response and remote sitewide radiological monitoring.
Whittenbarger’s appointment reflects a career defined by technical expertise and operational excellence. After earning his environmental health degree from ETSU, he went on to complete a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management from Tulane University. His success highlights the broad impact of ETSU graduates in advancing public and occupational health in high-consequence environments. From protecting communities to safeguarding complex nuclear operations, environmental health professionals play a vital role in promoting health and safety on every scale.
The College of Public Health congratulates Mike Whittenbarger on this significant leadership appointment and celebrates his continued contributions to the field of radiological protection and environmental health.