College of Health & Human Services

Dr. John A. Bonaguro, Dean
Dr. Sylvia S. Gaiko, Associate Dean
Dr. Randy Deere, Assistant to the Dean

Academic Complex, Office 208
Phone: (270) 745-2425
FAX: (270) 745-7073

Email: chhs@wku.edu
Website: www.wku.edu/chhs

Vision
To be recognized nationally as a college that offers exemplary programs in Health and Human Services.

Mission
The College provides diverse educational opportunities leading to excellence in Health and Human Services for a global community.

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is the newest college at Western Kentucky University, established by the Board of Regents in August 2002 to bring together all health and human services programs under one administration unit. One of our strengths is the breadth and depth of the diverse disciplines within the College. The College consists of seven departments that represent an array of disciplines, and offers degrees at the associate, baccalaureate and masters degree levels. The College also offers a collaborative doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences with the University of Kentucky. Academic units include Allied Health; Communication Disorders; Consumer and Family Sciences; Nursing; Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport; Public Health; and Social Work. The College also oversees the CHHS Academic Center for Excellence, Center for Gerontology, Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex, Institute for Rural Health Development and Research, the Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Academy, and the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center.

The focus of CHHS is to provide the highest possible quality of education to prepare our students to become leaders in careers related to health and human services. First year students have the opportunity to enroll directly in a specific career or to enroll in our “exploratory” program and explore the many career options available to them in health and human services. The faculty are highly qualified in their respective disciplines and utilize innovative teaching strategies along with state of the art instructional technology, including ITV, web enhanced and web based instruction.

The disciplines in the college have their roots in outreach to the community. Disciplines in CHHS prepare students for their professions by engaging them in activities within the community that applies the theories and concepts discussions in the classroom for a more comprehensive understanding of the issues, while providing a valuable service to the communities in which we reside. Students are required to complete clinical experiences, field work, or internships through one of the many affiliation agreements at a myriad of health and humans services facilities, agencies and organizations. Two nationally recognized mobile health and wellness units provide opportunities for students to apply skills learned in the classroom in the provision of prevention services to residents in our region.

Due to the nature of these experiences, students are required to meet various departmental academic requirements and federal and/or state mandates. Departments may require the successful completion of specific courses or maintaining a certain GPA in order to be placed in clinical or internship experiences. Some students may be required to undergo criminal background checks and drug testing and to provide proof of health insurance, liability insurance, and/or immunization records prior to participating in any required experiences at selected off-campus facilities/agencies. Additionally, there may be certifications, training seminars, or other requirements specified by the facility/agency that a student must meet in order to be eligible for field or practical experiences at the facility. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all institutional and/or facility requirements are met as a condition of participating in the on or off-campus experiences; students may be responsible in part or in full for any costs incurred to meet such requirements. Students are also responsible for transportation to and from off-campus experiences. In some CHHS programs, the students are responsible for rental fees for clinical instruments and supplies, purchasing uniforms, equipment, and possible course and program fees above the regular tuition. At the completion of the program, students may also be responsible for fees related to national and regional licensing exams.

CHHS is dedicated to improve the quality of life in the community through education, service, collaboration, leadership, and scholarship. This is accomplished in the various centers and programs in the college that provide for a vibrant and relevant university experience. The following is a brief description of these organizational units:

Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)

Email: ace-in-chhs@wku.edu

Academic Complex 411
Phone: 745-5027
Website: www.wku.edu/chhs/ace

Lynn Hazlett-Sherry, Coordinator

The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) is the student success center for the College of Health and Human Service. ACE provides a comprehensive array of programs and services to support academic success among the CHHS students. The Center provides academic advising, tutoring for CHHS courses, assistance with degree program completion , and career exploration/planning. It also houses a computer lab with software programs available specifically for our majors.

The College’s Living and Learning Community (LLC) is coordinated through ACE and is supported by Greenview Regional Hospital. The program emphasizes various aspects of health and human services such as dental hygiene, nursing, communication disorders, kinesiology, recreation, sport, public health, health care administration, social work, family and child studies, and dietetics, while creating activities and opportunities that support academic success.

Unique Features of the CHHS Living and Learning Community

• Located near the Academic Complex building 
• Corporate sponsored for community engagement and professional networking opportunities
• Peer advising from the College of Health and Human Services
• Discussion series hosted by faculty members and corporate professionals

Community Goals
The Health and Human Services Living/Learning community is dedicated to students in or considering a program in the health and human services professions arena. In order to maintain a community that supports learning, participants are involved in several important areas:

• Share and learn from students with similar interests and experiences
• Participate in activities that broaden their academic experiences
• Build professional relationships with faculty members and professionals in the field
• Establish lasting friendships with fellow community members

More information about the CHHS Living/Learning Community is available at: www.wku.edu/chhs/ace/llc.php.

Center for Gerontology

The Center for Gerontology is guided by the belief that healthy aging is attainable on both the individual and community level and requires implementing holistic strategies. Keys to successful healthy aging are increasing physical activity, improving eating habits, preventing disease, injury and disability, maximizing financial and physical independence and maintaining active participation with the community. Located within a historically rural environment, the Center recognizes the value of interdisciplinary and intergenerational collaboration in developing approaches that respect the needs of older adults and the rural communities that support them. Committed to balancing gerontological theory with practice, the Center nurtures dynamic partnerships between agencies working on aging issues, Western Kentucky University, and the international community.

1. Prepare new generations of aging advocates to work with older adults, their families, and their communities.
2. Contribute to new knowledge on aging populations, cohorts, and communities through the conduct of applied aging research.
3. Enhance local capacity for older adults and the communities in which they live through the dissemination of community based research, best practices, and sponsorship of programmatic activities. The gerontology minor is coordinated through the Center for Gerontology.

The Center oversees mini-grants that promote gerontology by engaging students and faculty in aging research. The Center houses the international journal, Journal of Aging, Humanities & the Arts, an official publication of the Gerontological Society of America (http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/19325614.asp). Excellence in aging is nurtured by a chapter, Phi Sigma Omega, the national honor society for aging, an annual “celebration of lives and older adults” and ongoing research with community partners.

Gerontology Minor
The mission of the gerontology minor (reference number 381) is to engage students through multidisciplinary education in partnership with the community, and to enhance the lives of a diverse aging population. Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the natural process of aging that occurs in the later stages of life. Gerontology is concerned with both successful aging and problems of aging.

One in eight Americans is now age 65 or older and the number of older persons will continue to increase into the future. Persons with knowledge and expertise in aging will be in demand in a variety of settings, including health care and long-term care facilities, adult day centers, specialized housing units, retirement communities, hospices, fitness and recreation centers, social service agencies, and academic and research settings. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education has additional information on careers in aging (www.careersinaging.com).

The multidisciplinary minor in gerontology is intended to complement traditional programs of study such as Biology, Communication Disorders, Economics, Exercise Science, Family & Consumer Science, Health Care Administration, Nursing, Nutrition, Psychology, Public Health, Recreation, Social Work, and Sociology. The minor program attracts both traditional students interested in pursuing careers in aging and non-traditional students who are working in the aging field. The minor prepares students to live and work in an aging society or to pursue graduate training in gerontology.

The minor consists of 19 hours to be selected from core and elective courses. The 4 hours of core courses are GERO 100 and 485.  In addition, 6 hours of primary electives must be chosen from BIOL 344, PH 443, SOCL 342, or PSY 423.  Nine hours of secondary electives must be chosen from CD 489, ECON 365, FIN 261, 444, HCA 345, 471, PH 444, 464, PHIL 322, 426, SWRK 326, CFS 367, EXS 455, GERO 490, 495.  The gerontology coordinator should be consulted for assistance in selecting the most appropriate primary and secondary electives and in determining a field or research experience to be taken toward the end of the coursework in the minor.

Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC)

Mary Lloyd Moore, Director
Email: mary.lloyd.moore@wku.edu
Phone: 270-745-4232
Website: www.wkucec.com

The Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) is a collaboration project between the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Education and Behavioral Science. The Suzanne Vitale CEC houses the Acquired Brain Injury Resource Program, the Communication Disorders Clinic, the Early Childhood Center, the Family Counseling Clinic, the Family Resource Program, and the Kelly Autism Program. It provides applied research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students and valuable services to the community at large. This complex is a comprehensive clinical setting for education and health and human services professionals. It builds upon a strong tradition at Western Kentucky University to meet community needs, fill service delivery gaps, provide opportunities for applied research, and enrich both undergraduate and graduate students’ educational experiences through an interdisciplinary teaching approach. Following is a short description of the units housed in the CEC:

Preston Family Foundation Acquired Brain Injury Resource Program : The program offers information, services, and support to individuals with acquired brain injury and their families throughout Kentucky. Dr. Richard Dressler, Director, Phone: 745-2520.

Communication Disorders Clinic : The CDC, a Kentucky licensed rehabilitation clinic, provides outpatient services to individuals with communication disorders, offers evaluation and treatment services supervised by certified and licensed faculty in language, articulation, voice, fluency, hearing and swallowing disorders. Mary Lloyd Moore, Clinical Director, Phone 745-2183.

Vickie and Dan Renshaw Early Childhood Center : The Vickie and Dan Renshaw ECC provides multidisciplinary education for training, research, and service to health and education professionals for the development of learning potential of children; provides services for children with health, development and learning disabilities; expands community partnerships; and links community and university resources, which address the needs of children. Lisa Murphy, Director, Phone: 745-4125.

Betty and Dr. Page Talley Family Counseling Clinic : The clinic offers help to families and individuals who desire counseling for managing their personal and relationship problems and provides family and marriage counseling, substance abuse counseling, and assistance in improving family dynamics. Dr. Tammy Shaffer, Director, Phone: 745-2419.

Family Resource Program : The FRP is a service/resource program staffed with social work faculty, students and family volunteers. Staff will be available to meet with family members and significant others to provide information, resource material, screening services, and referrals. The program serves as a unifying point of the entire CEC. Dr. Saundra Starks, Director, Phone: 745-2784.

Linda and John M. Kelly Autism Program : The KAP prepares autistic adolescents, ages 14 and older, to transition to a purposeful, fulfilling life after completion of their public school years, and has five goals: education support, social/leisure activities, community involvement, parent training, and the most important, school-to-work transition, Dr. Marty Boman, Director, Phone: 745-4527.

Institute for Rural Health Development and Research (IRHDR)

Lisa R. Durham, Ph.D., Director
Email: lisa.durham@wku.edu
Phone: 745-6948
Website: www.wku.edu/chhs/irhdr

The purpose of Western Kentucky University’s Institute for Rural Health Development and Research is to identify rural health and human service needs and facilitate collaborative arrangements engaging WKU students and faculty with community agencies in addressing these needs. The Institute works closely with all departments within the College of Health and Human Services. Programs include the WKU Mobile Health and Wellness Unit and a school based dental sealant program. Services include grant writing, program evaluation, health education and wellness interventions, health/oral screenings, dental services, environmental and occupational health and safety services , and social services.  The institute plays a major role in assisting CHHS in maintaining the focus of student engagement and community service.

The mission of the WKU Mobile Health and Wellness Unit is to provide preventative services and health promotion activities to the medically under-served and uninsured of rural Kentucky. Students and faculty within the College of Health and Human Services provide the services which include oral cleanings, screenings, sealants and oral radiology services, health education/promotion, and health screenings. The target area to provide these services is the ten-county Barren River District Development area.

Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Academy (KEMSA)

Lee Brown, Director
Email: lee.brown@wku.edu
Phone: 745-5865
Website: www.wku.edu/kemsa

The Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Academy (KEMSA) was established on December 16, 1998, when Dr. Gary A. Ransdell, President of Western Kentucky University, publicly announced its creation at a news conference attended by the media, regional politicians, and Emergency Medical Services leaders.

The Mission of the Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Academy covers several important areas:

• Support and provide high quality standardized education, training, and continuing education opportunities for out of hospital (EMS) personnel throughout the Commonwealth and region;
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct special workshops, conferences, seminars, and other unique education/training programs to enhance the skill, knowledge, and ability of EMS professionals engaged in the delivery of out of hospital services;
• Develop long-range plans and programs for the education and training of the EMS workforce in cooperation with governmental agencies, professional associations, and academic institutions;
• Conduct research and provide data for policy planning involving Emergency Medical Services;
• Provide availability to serve as liaison or coordinating agency for the boards, associations, and groups involved in the delivery of emergency medical services.

South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
Promoting the CommonHealth throughout the Commonwealth

Lucy Juett, Director
Email: Lucy.Juett@wku.edu
Phone: 745-3325
Website: www.wku.edu/scahec

The mission of the Kentucky AHEC is to promote healthy communities through innovative partnerships. This is accomplished by providing the following:

• educational support services to health professions, students, and health care providers.
• community health education.
• programs that encourage health professions as a career choice.

The South Central AHEC is affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine in cooperation with WKU’s College of Health and Human Services. AHEC programs of particular interest to WKU students include the following:

• GEAR-UP is awarded to South Central Area Health Education Center at WKU
• Opportunities to enhance their cross-cultural communication skills with two unique populations - an Old Order Mennonite community and a large Hispanic community.
• Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) – collegiate chapter of HOSA is sponsored by the South Central AHEC. This student organization provides students with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, team building skills, and interdisciplinary student projects. Students are eligible to compete at the state and national HOSA conferences in numerous categories.
• Oral health education, team building skills, farm safety programs, and an interdisciplinary student organization.
• Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician training program is offered in May and is available as an independent study class. This 32-hour program trains students to be Certified CPS Technicians who can inspect child car seats to determine if they are installed properly. Nationally , 90% of all child car seats are not installed properly.
• MCAT Prep – a 12-week preparation program for students planning to take the Medical College Admission Test offered every spring for WKU students.
• Mock Interviews – are offered to any student applying for admission to a professional school in which an interview is required, such as, schools of medicine, dental, physical therapy, etc.
• Volunteer opportunities and student internships are available through the South Central AHEC.

Connecting Students to Careers….Professionals to Communities….Communities to Better Health