College of Health, Education and Professional Studies
Professor Mary Tanner, Dean
Faculty and staff in the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies collaboratively engage students in diverse, high quality learning with opportunities for research and service within the metropolitan community.
The College of Health, Education and Professional Studies will prepare liberally educated, technologically efficient and effective scholars and practitioners for life in a global society.
In fulfilling our mission, the College is committed to:
- Enhancing the bodies of knowledge in each of its disciplines.
- Promoting the values and ethics of a truth-seeking, caring college.
- Serving diverse populations by preparing family and social service experts; health and lifestyle professionals; and leaders and teachers for the 21st century.
- Promoting critical partnerships with communities for the development of socially responsible leaders.
Students may engage in studies in a number of fields as indicated here.
The Teacher Preparation Academy provides preparation for individuals seeking to be professional leaders within public and private educational institutions. Programs, in most cases, lead to licensure or credentialing and in every case prepare thoughtful,informed practitioners of learning and leading. Course work is shaped around the development of a reflective practice model.
Students in Early Childhood prepare to serve in fields which deal with people in their human environments. Programs encompass the areas of child and family studies and PreK-3 early childhood education.
The Department of Interior Design provides preparation for a broad range of career choices for an exciting future in the field of Design. Graduates become professionals in residential and commercial design as well as specialized fields such as healthcare, retail, housing for the elderly, sustainability and sales.
The Social Work program offers the Bachelor of Science in Social Work through an innovative program to prepare the generalist social worker. The program is in pre-candidacy status with the Council of Social Work Education.
The Department of Health and Human Performance concentrates upon the development and maintenance of health, promoting active lifestyles and enhancement of skilled and athletic performances. The program encompasses the disciplines of exercise science, health promotion and leisure studies.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program prepares students for beginning practice as a registered nurse in a variety of settings. Students are prepared for graduate studies in nursing. The emphasis of the program is on the use of knowledge and skills to plan and implement nursing care.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy is designed to prepare graduates to meet entry-level practice in the physical therapy profession. The program involves the evaluation and management of movement system disorders while preparing graduates to assume a role in prevention, wellness and health promotion in today’s health care environment. The program’s 3+3 structure requires three years of prerequisite work followed by three years of full time enrollment in the professional program.
Health and Human Performance
Professor Gregory W. Heath, Head
Interior Design
Assistant Professor Dana Moody, Acting Head
School of Nursing
Professor Kay Lindgren, Director
Physical Therapy
Associate Professor Randy Walker, Acting Head
Teacher Preparation Academy
Professor Valerie Rutledge, Head
Graduate Studies Division
Associate Professor John Freeman, Head
Social Work
Assistant Professor Valerie L. Radu, Head
