College of Health and Human Services

http://www.uncw.edu/chhs/

Charles J. Hardy, founding dean
Kathy D. Browder, associate dean

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) was established as the doorway for the University of North Carolina Wilmington to make a positive impact on the health and quality of life of residents of the state of North Carolina and beyond. In line with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the overarching goal of the CHHS is to help individuals, families and communities live healthier, more prosperous and more productive lives.

We strive to accomplish this goal through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Faculty, staff and students within CHHS are passionate about the development, dissemination and application of knowledge that can enhance health and quality of life, especially within underserved communities and populations of our state, region, nation and world.

CHHS consists of three professional schools: School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Social Work. These Schools offer nationally accredited programs of study in nursing, clinical research and product development, social work, athletic training, exercise science, gerontology, community health education, physical education and health teacher licensure, recreation therapy, and recreation, sport leadership and tourism management. CHHS faculty are passionate and caring teacher/scholars who are committed to engaging students in real-world health and human services issues at the individual, family and community levels.

Through in-class and field experiences, our students learn to develop and apply knowledge regarding health, wellness and human needs, while recognizing and building upon the innate strengths and dignity of individuals and communities in which they work. In this, we prepare the highest quality professional who possesses a unique understand of how to synthesize knowledge in interprofessional teams to address real community problems.

Our Vision

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) will be nationally recognized for our inter-professional and collaborative approach to enhancing the health and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities in southeastern North Carolina and beyond. Our work, based in teaching, research and engagement, will advance health knowledge and its application for prevention, health promotion and maintenance, and the restoration and enhancement of personal and social well-being.

Our Mission

The mission of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is to enhance health and quality of life across the lifespan for individuals, families and communities within southeastern North Carolina and beyond through innovation and excellence in workforce development, scholarship, research, professional service and community engagement. We are committed to the development of health professionals who will practice in a sound, intellectually and ethically accountable fashion and who will commit their practice to the health and well-being of the people of our region.

To accomplish our mission we are committed to:

Educating students to assume leadership roles in the health and human services;
Advancing knowledge and practice through scholarly activity;
Educating professionals of ethical conscience and commitment;
Partnering effectively with health service providers and professional organizations;
Serving the Region and Communities of Southeastern North Carolina and beyond.

Our Shared Values

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is comprised of three professional schools: School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, School of Nursing and School of Social Work. The following values serve to guide decision making for our workforce development, scholarship, professional service and community engagement activities. We will use these values to assist us in moving forward and in developing a sustainable college.

Excellence in teaching, scholarship and service combined with a commitment to research and the advancement and dissemination of knowledge
Passion for improving the health of individuals, families, communities and populations – particularly underserved communities and vulnerable populations
Responsibility for promoting health equity and social welfare of all human beings in all their diversity
Interprofessional collaboration
Commitment to community engagement, professional linkages, public service and applied scholarship
Diversity and inclusion
Honesty and personal integrity
Compassion and caring
Commitment to developing as a “Learning Organization”