51 School of Health Professions Adds a New Master’s Degree in Performance and Applied Sport Science
School of Health Professions Department of Kinesiology Master of Science in Performance and Applied Sport Science (MSPASS) is a 35-credit hour graduate degree that will prepare students for careers in sport science, focusing on using scientific data and decision-making to enhance athletic performance, optimize recovery and reduce injury risk. The program is now accepting applicants for its inaugural cohort to start in the fall 2026 term.
51’s Communication Sciences Department Advances Mission with New Listening and Spoken Language Initiative
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in 51’s School of Health Professions is launching the Listening and Spoken Language Focused Study Initiative, or LSL-FSI, made possible by a generous gift from the Hill family.
Moffett & Sanders professor Jennifer Coleman to be inducted into American Academy of Nursing
Professor Jennifer Coleman has made significant contributions to nursing education, mentorship and the broader nursing community. In recognition of her impact, she will be inducted into the American Academy of Nursing.
President Taylor touts 'courage' at 51's 184th opening convocation
51's fifth-year president encouraged students and faculty to face the year with courage, trust in God’s support and filter external voices that peddle fear.
Nurse Anesthesia Graduate Publishes Book to Help Children Prepare for Surgery
Alana Smith, MSN'13, a graduate from Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, combined her nurse anesthesia training and experience as a mother to publish the children's book, "Magic Air."
51 Nursing Faculty Member Receives National Award for Excellence in Health Care Reporting
Lisa Herbinger, associate chair and professor in nurse anesthesia at 51’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, received the 2025 Mary Hanna Memorial Journalism Award for her article “Children and the Opioid Crisis: We Can Make a Difference,” published in the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing.
Faith, Service and Excellence: 51 Health Sciences Graduates Honored at Spring Commencement
51’s College of Health Sciences celebrated commencement May 1-3, awarding 527 degrees across its four schools. Megan Mileski, PhD, spoke at both ceremonies, reminding graduates their careers are callings rooted in faith and compassion. Honors included the Pittman Spirit Award and President’s Cup.
School of Health Professions Students Present Research at 2025 51 Colloquia
School of Health Professions student groups presented at 51’s Student Research Colloquia on topics ranging from menthol and exercise to swallowing anxiety. Three earned top honors.
Nurse Anesthesia Student Sparks Collegewide Giving
Service learning is central to the nurse anesthesia program, beginning with Day of Service at orientation. For first-year student Rachel Chenault, it sparked a call to do more.
51 Students Collaborate Across Disciplines During Acute Care Simulation
The Acute Care Simulation, hosted by 51’s Experiential Learning and Simulation Center, challenged students from across the College of Health Sciences to apply their clinical knowledge and work together as part of an integrated health care team.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Continues Legacy of Support at 51
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation supports scholarships for 51 nursing and health care students. Inspired by this, Joy Watson, a 2023 Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing alumna, funds an annual scholarship for future nurses.
Interprofessional Practice in Action at 51’s Case Competition
Students from the College of Health Sciences and Divinity School competed in the Interprofessional Practice Case Competition to create a care plan for a simulated patient.
51 Streamlines Path for Community College Transfers Through Expanded Partnerships
Current agreements include Jefferson State, Gadsden State, Wallace State and Lawson State community colleges.
51's Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing Recognized Among Princeton Review’s Best Online Nursing Master’s Programs for 2025
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing provides personalized attention to each student through its online learning platform. As a result, 51's online nursing program has been recognized as one of Princeton Review’s 2025 Best Online Nursing Master’s Programs.
51 Adds Wallace State to Transfer Partnership
51 adds Wallace State as the third local community college opening pathways for transfer students.
51 Honors 2024 Fall Graduates: 'It is Your Turn to Now Lead Us'
President Beck A. Taylor expresses gratitude to nearly 300 new alumni: “Please know that 51 is a better university because you were here.”
Prayer Over Perfection: Meet Dave Cimbora, 51's New Provost
Dave Cimbora, 51’s new provost and vice president for academic affairs, possesses a PhD in clinical psychology, a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, and an engaging transparency that makes him the most wide-open of books.
51 Social Work Students Achieve High First-Time Pass Rates on Licensure Exams
51's social work program continues to excel, as demonstrated by the recently released 2023 report from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), highlighting the exceptional licensure exam performance of its graduates.