Health and Behavioral Studies News

Bridging the body, mind and soul

Alumni couple opens health and wellness clinic combining holistic and mainstream practices.

AT alumni selected for prestigious Steadman Clinic residency

Both alumni agree that their time at JMU prepared them for their residency at the Steadman Clinic. Mast said she does not think she would be where she is today in her career without the connections she made at JMU.

JMU aims to empower people with disabilities in rural communities through VBPD grant

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) has awarded the Department of Kinesiology a $275,000 grant to assist rural communities.

Social Work students promote advocacy through social policy

Students in Yeom’s social policy and social work practice in macro systems classes are tasked with learning about racial, social, economic and environmental justice issues and how to advocate for them.

JMU professors receive Outstanding Faculty Awards

Lauren K. Alleyne, Erica Lewis win Outstanding Faculty Award

Health sciences alumna pursues physical therapy career

I am currently in my third year of PT school at Columbia University. While graduate school is a challenge, I have thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the field of physical therapy.

Health sciences professor invited to participate in obesity research program

Health sciences professor Santo Coleman was selected to be part of the OHD PRIDE Program - a two-year research training and mentoring program for faculty from underrepresented backgrounds.    

PHETE students honored with awards at 2021 VAHPERD convention

Kinesiology students, Hayden Bartley and Lanie Jo Knight, will be honored at the 2021 Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Convention.

Health sciences instructor makes kindness part of class

Kindness counts as participation credit in health sciences instructor Matt Lovesky’s sections of Health 100: Personal Wellness. 

Kinesiology professor invited to speak at university in Hong Kong

Cathy McKay has been invited to serve as a keynote speaker and two-week research consultant at the Education University of Hong Kong.

Dietetics student to receive the VAND Diversity Award

Dietetics student Yanine Pedrazas has been selected as the recipient of the VAND Diversity Professional Development Award. 

Clinical mental health counseling student wins scholarship

Caylyn Arbogast is the first winner of the BrightView Clinical Advancement Scholarship. The $1,000 award is designed to encourage students to work in the field of substance use disorder treatment upon graduation.

New faculty join the School of Nursing

New School of Nursing faculty are from all around the globe, have diverse backgrounds and each bring something unique to JMU.  

FNP student Beatriz Bautista shares her nursing journey

Before deciding to apply for FNP school, I reflected on the Hispanic healthcare providers in the community and felt intimidated that there is a low representation. This intimidation soon turned into motivation.

Dietetics grad serves in military and returns to JMU for grad school

“I love it, it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted to do,” Wagener said. “To come back to JMU and do what I’ve wanted to do professionally, it’s like dreams really do come true.”

JMU expert: College athletes increasingly open about mental health

Discussing mental health and how to cope with various stressors is becoming more common among college athletes says JMU expert Bob Harmison.

Behavioral health provider shortage addressed by JMU program

Behavioral health providers in six counties in central Virginia will get a helping hand from 100 JMU graduate psychology students.

Health sciences alumna shares her path to PA school

"My advice for a prospective health sciences student at JMU is to never be afraid to ask for help and form a good work ethic."

Health sciences grad attending dental school on Army scholarship

The best piece of advice I can give to prospective students is to get involved and try something new. There are so many opportunities for success at JMU whether in the classroom or around campus."

Housekeeper Wendy Schwister goes above and beyond for OTCES

Housekeeper and certified mechanic, Wendy Schwister, has dedicated her time and knowledge to repairing OTCES' collection of bikes.

Vaccine infographic designed by and for JMU students

In the midst of COVID-19, students in HTH 245: Foundations of Infectious Diseases put together a friendly competition to design a COVID-19 vaccine infographic.

Psychology symposium took new form this year

In April, JMU psychology held its first virtual Student Research Symposium on Twitter. The event, typically held in-person, took an all new form this year due to the pandemic.

Health sciences alumni talk about publishing their research

Two health sciences alumni published their research

HSA students offer bilingual skills to Great Community Give

Two health services administration students, Devany Corvera and Odalys Hernandez, volunteered their Spanish language skills to help communicate the importance of community-based fundraising.

Health sciences senior headed to optometry school

"JMU has lived up to its academic reputation and more. I have found opportunities for personal growth and development not only academically, but also to expand beyond the classroom knowledge."

Occupational therapy program is next step for health sciences senior

Gerencser researched the health sciences program before visiting JMU, but it wasn't until she enrolled that she realized all of the opportunities the major has to offer.

JMU professor’s course on Audible is making listeners happy

In the two months since its publication, a JMU professor’s “happiness” course on Audible has a 4.7 rating out of 5.