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College of Health & Human Services News

Welcome to our News! Here, you'll find the latest updates, stories, and articles about the College of Health & Human Services (CHHS). Stay connected by exploring our news below.

Recent Posts

Healing Trauma Through EMDR Therapy

Anka Roberto and Briana Carr have spent their careers exploring care and practices in the aftermath of trauma through treatments like EMDR therapy.

Program Piloted by UNCW, ECU Receives UNC System Award

An innovative, interdisciplinary, intercollegiate research training program spearheaded by UNCW has received an Undergraduate Research Program Award.

Caroline Jenkins '19, '26DNP

Caroline Jenkins ’19, ’26DNP began her healthcare career working as a certified nursing assistant at her local hospital in her hometown...

UNCW Alumna Advocates for Refugee Families

Since graduating from UNC Wilmington in 2018 with a Bachelor of Social Work, Leslie Hernandez has dedicated her career to helping vulnerable...

McGinnis Named MPAS Program Director

The College of Health and Human Services at UNC Wilmington has named James P. McGinnis, Ed.D., MPAS, PA-C as the founding program director of its...

CHHS 350 Equips Students with Outdoor Leadership Skills

Open to undergraduates of all majors, CHHS 350: Leadership Skills for Adventure Exercise, combines weekly classroom instruction with applied...

Research Starts Here: UNCW Engineering's Undergraduate Edge

UNCW Engineering students work alongside faculty engaging in research that impacts local communities and industry. The undergraduate research...

Mapson Appointed Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristin Mapson as the new Associate Dean for Research and...

CIE and OIC Drive Change Through Innovation and Collaboration

UNCW's CIE and OIC continue to drive progress through research, commercialization, startup support and strategic partnerships.

Researcher Leads Effort to Eliminate Malaria in Uganda

Michelle Cathorall leads the Malaria Mastery Prevention Program, a community-driven project aimed at eliminating malaria in Uganda.

Research and Innovation Celebrates Excellence at Annual Reception

Research and Innovation Celebrates Excellence at Annual Reception

UNCW Continues Strong Performance in U.S. News Rankings

Once again, UNCW has earned accolades in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

Arabella Ong ’26

Arabella Ong ’26 is a driven nursing student at UNCW, combining academic excellence with a passion for patient care as she works toward...

UNCW Student Enrollment Surges Near 19,900

UNCW shattered enrollment records, welcoming 19,895 students this fall — a 5.6% jump from last year, according to preliminary data from the...

Tania Smith ’15, ’25M

Tania Smith ’15, ’25M has always been driven by a passion for helping others and creating positive change. Her time at UNCW offered her...

2025 Million Dollar Club Announced; Bingham Tops $5M

Research & Innovation announced a record number of 2025 Million Dollar Club Inductees and recognized Frederick Bingham as a $5 Million Dollar...

Taylor O'Brien: The Epitome of a Student-Athlete

Taylor O'Brien was one of 10 female student-athletes nationwide to be named to the inaugural 2025-26 Allstate National Association of...

Lantz to Return to Faculty Appointment

Chris Lantz, the College of Health and Human Services’ Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, has announced that he will return to his faculty...

Students Explore Careers at CHHS Summer Camps

This summer, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) and its partners hosted a series of camps for middle and high school students designed...

CHHS Students Named Rural Interprofessional Scholars

Eight CHHS students have been selected for the 2025–2026 Rural Interprofessional Longitudinal Scholars (RIPLS) Program.

School of Nursing Named NLN Center of Excellence

UNC Wilmington’s School of Nursing has been honored by the National League for Nursing (NLN) as a Center of Excellence in the category of...

Justin Hickman '24

Justin Hickman ’24 earned his recreation therapy degree from UNCW to help others—especially veterans—heal and thrive through...

UNCW Partners with Novant On Nursing Pipeline Program

UNCW and Novant have launched the VITALS Program to prepare incoming students for careers in nursing and help address the healthcare workforce...

Dr Steve Elliott Joins UNC Leadership Institute

The University of North Carolina System has named Dr. Steve Elliott, director of SHAHS, to the sixth cohort of the Executive Leadership Institute.

Ullucci Named DPT Program Director

The College of Health and Human Services at UNC Wilmington has named Paul A. Ullucci, Jr., PT, DPT, ATC, PhD as the founding program director of...

UNCW Launches Accelerated Nursing Program

This summer, the UNC Wilmington School of Nursing launched the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.

Weather Update: Tropical Storm Chantal July 6

Weather is expected to improve Sunday, July 6, as Tropical Storm Chantal moves past Wilmington. UNCW plans to maintain its normal schedule.

UNCW Monitoring Tropical Storm Chantal July 5

UNCW is closely monitoring tropical weather conditions affecting southeastern North Carolina through Sunday, July 6, 2025.

UNCW Names Robert T. Burrus Jr. Interim Provost and VC for Academic Affairs

Robert T. Burrus Jr., dean of the UNCW Cameron School of Business, has been named interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, the...

UNCW, Partners Strengthening Cape Fear Healthcare Workforce

UNCW hosted a panel discussion on Monday, June 9, in Discovery Hall to share an update with stakeholders on the New Hanover Healthcare Career...

Cathorall, Daidone Receive Fulbright Awards

Michelle Cathorall has received a U.S. Scholar Fulbright Award and Danielle Daidone has received a Fulbright postdoctoral fellowship.

The Sayeds’ Legacy of Generosity

The Sayeds committed $25 million to UNCW to support healthcare initiatives and teacher recruitment, the largest philanthropic commitment in...

Winebrake Appointed President of Coastal Carolina University 

Dr. James J. Winebrake, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, has accepted the position of President at Coastal Carolina University. He...

UNCW Research Team Approved for NCInnovation Funding

A multidisciplinary team developing a Neck Strength Assessment Tool received NCInnovation funding, bringing the technology closer to market.

Cathorall Receives Fulbright US Scholar Award

Michelle Cathorall, an associate professor in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award...

Chen Receives DAISY Award

The School of Nursing is proud to announce that this year's DAISY Award goes to Dr. Yea-Jyh Chen, RN, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the School...

UNCW RIPLS Program Welcomes New Cohort

In May 2025, UNCW CHHS celebrated the culmination of its second Rural Interprofessional Longitudinal Scholars (RIPLS) cohort.

Recreation Therapy Student Finds Her Calling

When Skylar Spencer left her hometown of Lexington, Massachusetts, to attend UNC Wilmington, she took a leap of faith.

UNCW Celebrates Faculty Awards Ceremony

UNCW Celebrates Faculty Awards Ceremony

Jordan McLeod '25

Jordan McLeod '25, a public health major at UNCW, has made a significant impact through his leadership roles and the Helping Hand Project,...

UNCW Nursing Student Joins Fellowship

Since high school, Cassidy King knew that she wanted to pursue a career in nursing.

UNC Wilmington School of Nursing Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

The College of Health and Human Services celebrated the 40th anniversary of the School of Nursing, marking the occasion with a special event on...

Amaria Rankins ’25

Amaria Rankins’ compassion and drive to help others inspired her to pursue a major in social work at UNCW.

Respiratory Therapy Students Accepted into AARC Program

RT alumna, Ciera Winter and current student Logan Bridges, have been selected to participate in the AARC's prestigious Emerging Leaders...

William Wylie ’25

For William Wylie ’25, medicine is much more than a job, it’s a calling. The soon to be UNCW graduate plans on returning to the...

UNCW Respiratory Therapy Students Join Honor Society

CHHS recognizes Respiratory Therapy students for their achievements in the respiratory therapy program and their admittance to Lambda Beta Society.

UNCW Awards Honorary Doctorate to Philanthropist Linda Sayed

Linda Sayed ’78, ’85M will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during UNCW’s Spring 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony,...

Ayanni Hyman ’25

Driven by personal experiences with chronic illnesses, Ayanni Hyman ’25 chose public health to advocate for underserved communities and has...

UNCW Students Path to Pharmacy

Sadie Sharkey ‘24 is a pharmacy student currently enrolled in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

Rainey Fish '25

Rainey Fish's experiences at UNCW, including mentorship and leadership roles, have shaped her aspirations to become a pediatric respiratory...

UNCW to Delay Classes, Operations on Feb. 20

The university is continuing to closely monitor the current weather conditions. Because of the potential for inclement weather, UNCW will delay...

Father Daughter Duo Pursue Same Degree at UNCW

A father and daughter, Steve Cada and Aidyn Cada, are experiencing the academic journey side by side.

UNCW Receives $25 Million Gift to Boost Teacher Education and Healthcare Programs

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has received a $25 million gift commitment from Dr. Yousry Sayed and his wife Linda ’78,...

Involving Caregivers in Brain Tumor Clinical Research

Laurie Minns, assistant professor of clinical research in the School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services began her journey into...

Public Health Alumna Elected to SOPHE

Cherish Thrash, a public health pre-clinical concentration alumna, was elected to the North Carolina Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) at...

UNCW Will Resume Normal Operations Saturday

UNCW will resume normal operations on Saturday, Jan. 25. Until then, the university will extend Condition 2 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24....

UNCW to Cancel Classes and Remain in Condition 2 Through Friday, Jan. 24

Classes and campus events are cancelled through Friday, Jan. 24. UNCW plans to remain in Condition 2 for employees through 5 p.m., Friday.

UNCW Classes Cancelled, Condition 2 in Effect for Thursday

UNCW plans to remain in Condition 2 for employees through 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23. Classes and campus events are cancelled through Thursday.

UNCW Will Close on Wednesday Due to Winter Weather Conditions

Based on National Weather Service winter weather advisories for Wilmington and the surrounding region, UNCW will be closed through Wednesday, Jan....

UNCW Climbs in 2025 U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings

UNCW has climbed in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Online Programs” rankings, demonstrating its commitment to academic...

A Call to Serve

Alyssia Jones began her academic career at Western New England University, where she was a business law major following the accelerated pre-law...

Faculty Profile: Pamela Balogh

Dr. Pamela Balogh’s interest in nursing began in high school, where she took a medical science course that led her to become a Certified...

UNCW Graduates Embark on New Journeys

Approximately 2,500 graduates embarked on a journey in their lives on Dec. 14, equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences to help shape...

UNCW, CFCC Partner to Address Nursing Shortage

CHHS and CFCC have partnered to implement “Try Teal,” an innovative program to address the critical shortage of nurses.

UNCW Celebrates Fall Commencement Dec. 14

UNCW will host its fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 14, 2024, in Trask Coliseum. The event celebrates the achievements of hundreds of graduates...

Social Work Students Explore Forest Therapy

Dr. Noell Rowan recently became certified in forest therapy and took interested Master of Social Work students to the on-campus Bluethenthal...

Kerr Appointed CAAPCR Commissioner

Jared Kerr has been appointed as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Commissioner for the Committee on...

Anna Vreeling ’25

Anna Vreeling ’25 is dedicated to studying clinical research at UNCW. Inspired by her personal experiences, she aims to make significant...

Bryan Holman '25

Bryan Holman '25 shares his experience in Afghanistan, shedding light on the days leading up to the tragic bombing that claimed the lives of...

Team to Participate in National Undergraduate Research Program

A team from UNC Wilmington’s College of Health and Human Services and the College of Science and Engineering has been accepted into the...

CHHS Recognizes Ageism Awareness Day

October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, a crucial opportunity to confront and challenge stereotypes surrounding aging.

UNCW Honors Excellence in Research and Innovation

The achievements, scholarly productivity and creative works of UNCW’s research leaders were formally applauded at the annual research...

UNCW Drives $3.2 Billion Economic Growth in NC

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has released an economic development impact study that reveals a $3.2 billion impact on the state of...

UNCW to Maintain Normal Operating Schedule

UNCW is continuing to closely monitor the current weather conditions. At this time, the university plans to maintain a normal operating schedule

CHHS Introduces OutPost Container Gym

The College of Health and Human Services has unveiled a state-of-the-art OutPost container gym, now located at the Harold Greene Track and Field...

UNCW and Feeding Matters Launch $240,000 Consortium

A team at Feeding Matters, in partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington, has been approved for...

From GIS to Healthcare

Dr. William Opoku-Agyeman aspired to be an engineer or medical doctor, but his uncle suggested he pursue natural sciences, which ultimately led him...

UNCW Sees Record Enrollment Increase

For the first time in UNCW’s history, student enrollment has surpassed 18,800, marking a significant milestone for the 77-year-old...

Interim Associate Dean Named

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that Dr. Kristin Mapson has been named interim associate dean for research and...

Building a Healthcare Workforce Superhighway

The collaboration among UNCW, Cape Fear Community College, New Hanover County Schools and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce aims to produce and...

UNCW Receives Funding for Nursing Education

The UNCW College of Health and Human Services, which includes the School of Nursing, recently received more than $2.4 million from the University...

Associate Nursing Professor Receives Grant

Dr. Deby Tyndall, an associate professor in the School of Nursing, recently received a grant from the National Association of School Nurses to...

CHHS Simulation Learning Center Earns Accreditation

The Society of Simulation in Healthcare recently granted full accreditation in the area of Teaching and Education to the College of Health and...

Heart Health Hubs

Barbershops in Wilmington are becoming more than just places for haircuts—they have evolved into hubs for health education and outreach.

From Personal Experiences to a Career Path

Stephanie Massey and Jessika Poisel are students in the new UNCW Human Services Technology - Bachelor of Social Work (HST-BSW)...

Leavens, Segovia Selected for Executive Leadership Institute

Assistant Dean Sheri Leavens and Centro Hispano Director Edel Segovia have been selected to the fifth cohort of the University of North Carolina...

Dr. Nina Williams Receives DAISY Award

Founded by the Barnes family, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Educators provides international recognition and appreciation to nursing...

Nursing Student Receives Cornerstone Award

Noemi Meza, a nursing major with a clinical research minor, has been named as a recipient of the UNC Wilmington Cornerstone Award.

Hawks Walk: Thousands Graduate UNCW

Nearly 19,000 trekked through Trask Coliseum over the weekend to watch 2,918 Seahawks officially graduate.

UNCW Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 10-11

UNCW will hold five ceremonies during its spring 2024 commencement exercises May 10-11 in Trask Coliseum.

College of Health and Human Services Announces New School of Nursing Director

Patricia D. Suplee, Ph.D., RNC-OB, FAAN has accepted the role of director of the School of Nursing and Irwin Belk Distinguished Professor of Nursing.

UNCW Online Program Receives National Recognition

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator (MSN NE) program has received...

Social Work Graduate Student Accepted into VA Fellowship

Zachary Drum, a Master of Social Work student set to graduate in May, was recently awarded the Veterans Affairs Interprofessional Fellowship...

UNCW Extends Enrollment Deposit Deadline to May 15 to Support Students, Families

UNCW Extends Enrollment Deposit Deadline to May 15

CHHS Commissions New Corbett Anatomy Lab

The Dr. J. Richard “Dick” Corbett Anatomy Laboratory joins Veterans Hall’s suite of interprofessional teaching clinics,...

UNCW Announces Alumni Association Distinguished Awards Recipients

The UNCW Alumni Association Distinguished Awards are presented to individuals in recognition of their extraordinary achievement, outstanding...

Spring 2024 Commencement: Five Ceremonies Planned May 10-11

University of North Carolina Wilmington will hold five commencement exercises for the Class of 2024. All five ceremonies, scheduled May 10-11, will...

Like No Other: The Campaign for UNCW Surpasses Historic Milestone

The largest and most ambitious campaign in UNC Wilmington history, Like No Other: The Campaign for UNCW, surpassed its $125 million stretch goal...

UNCW Receives Grant Funding for Groundbreaking Healthcare Workforce Partnerships

UNCW Receives Grant Funding for Groundbreaking Healthcare Workforce Partnerships

CHHS and Novant Health Provide Screenings at Local Barbershops

For the past six years, Novant Health has teamed up with local barbershops to offer visitors crucial health information

UNCW Class of 2023 Takes Flight

UNCW held three ceremonies during its fall 2023 commencement exercises on Dec. 15-16 to graduate approximately 2,550 students. All ceremonies were...

UNCW Receives Accreditation Reaffirmation from SACSCOC

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools...

CHHS Student Receives the Community Impact Student Award

Over the weekend of November 4, Bachelor of Social Work student, Amaria Rankins, was presented with the Community Impact Student Award by NC Campus...

CHHS Welcomes New Assistant Dean for Administration and Resource Management

Marlo Brooks has been named the College of Health and Human Services’ new assistant dean for administration and resource management

UNCW Seahawks Make the Wilmington 100 List

Several UNCW Seahawks have made the Wilmington 100 list, an annual Greater Wilmington Business Journal initiative “to recognize the top 100...

Envisioning the Future: UNCW Seeks Input for Campus Master Plan

UNCW is in the process of formulating a long-term comprehensive campus master plan to support the university’s mission and vision.

Impact Like No Other: UNCW Celebrates Its Research Leaders

The achievements, scholarly productivity and creative works of UNCW’s research leaders were formally applauded at the 16th annual research...

UNCW Celebrates Faculty Award Recipients at Fall Faculty Meeting

UNCW recognized faculty who have made significant contributions in teaching, research and service during its Fall Faculty Meeting on Sept. 14.

You Belong Here: UNCW Welcomes the Class of 2027 

More than 2,500 first-year and transfer students participated in an academic ceremonial rite of passage as UNCW officially welcomed the Class of...

Screen Savvy: UNCW Students, Employees Earn Telly Awards

UNCW's Department of Communication Studies, Distance Education and eLearning and Media Production teams are among the recipients of this...

Jack C. Watson Named CHHS Dean

Dr. Watson was named UNCW’s next dean for CHHS after a nationwide search. He will succeed Interim Dean Justine Reel and former Founding Dean...

A Site to See: UNCW Launches New Website

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has launched its new uncw.edu website to enhance the user experience.

UNCW Class of 2023 Officially Lifts Off

More than 3,180 graduates were officially honored with degrees May 12-13.

Yvonne Marsan Honored with 2023 Staff Award for Excellence

Yvonne Marsan is this year’s recipient of the UNCW Staff Award for Excellence. Marsan was among 20 individuals and 1 team nominated by UNCW...