Faith, Service and Excellence: 51½ÖÉä Health Sciences Graduates Honored at Spring Commencement
51½ÖÉä’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 Public Health Well Represented at 51½ÖÉä’s 2025 Student Research Colloquia
Held April 25 in Davis Library, the fourth annual Student Research Colloquia featured more than 160 poster presentations across disciplines. Students from the School of Public Health shared original research, connected with peers and engaged with the campus community. Hosted by the Research Advisory Collaborative and the Office of Research, the event offered valuable experience in presenting scholarly work and communicating findings to a broader audience.
51½ÖÉä Hosts Institute on Faith and Simulation for Social Work Educators from Across the Country
51½ÖÉä’s School of Public Health hosted the Institute on Faith and Simulation, bringing together social work educators to explore how simulation can help students integrate faith into professional practice. Held in partnership with the Experiential Learning and Simulation Center, the event addressed the growing demand for faith-based approaches in mental health and social work.
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Suresh Mathews Named School of Public Health Interim Dean
Suresh Mathews, PhD, has been named interim dean of 51½ÖÉä’s School of Public Health. A member of the 51½ÖÉä community since 2015, Mathews has served as department chair and professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Melissa Lumpkin Retires After Distinguished Public Health Career
Melissa Lumpkin, interim dean of 51½ÖÉä’s School of Public Health, has retired after a distinguished career dedicated to public health and academia. Since joining 51½ÖÉä in 2014, Lumpkin has led the school through significant growth, including program expansions and accreditations, while fostering a supportive, faith-centered environment.
Social Work Study between 51½ÖÉä and Haigazian University Receives Funding from U.S. Embassy
Rachel Hagues and David Cecil, faculty members in 51½ÖÉä’s Department of Social Work, have received funding from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to launch a collaborative project with Haigazian University aimed at supporting social workers in Lebanon.
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White Coat Ceremony Honors the 2025 Cohort of Dietetic Interns
51½ÖÉä's School of Public Health honored the 2025 dietetic interns at its annual White Coat Ceremony on Jan. 18. The seven interns, now four months into the 16-month program, received white coats to mark the start of their clinical rotations, a step toward eligibility for the registered dietitian exam.
51½ÖÉä Adds Wallace State to Transfer Partnership
51½ÖÉä adds Wallace State as the third local community college opening pathways for transfer students.
51½ÖÉä School of Public Health Introduces New Dietitian Pathway
Starting in fall 2025, 51½ÖÉä’s School of Public Health will launch a new concentration within its Master of Science in Nutrition program for graduate students pursuing a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
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51½ÖÉä 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 51½ÖÉä is a better university because you were here.â€
Prayer Over Perfection: Meet Dave Cimbora, 51½ÖÉä's New Provost
Dave Cimbora, 51½ÖÉä’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.
51½ÖÉä Welcomes Higher Education Leaders from Across Africa
On Sept. 24, 51½ÖÉä welcomed vice presidents and leaders from universities and colleges across the African continent.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of State and its International Visitor Leadership Program, 51½ÖÉä was one stop on a three-week tour of Alabama’s colleges, universities, and civil rights history.
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51½ÖÉä Social Work Students Achieve High First-Time Pass Rates on Licensure Exams
51½ÖÉä'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.
51½ÖÉä Unveils $85 Million Recreation, Wellness & Athletics Complex That 'Stands Among the Best' Facilities in the Nation
The massive four-story complex marks a milestone in 51½ÖÉä's ambitious plan to enrich campus life and elevate its national profile as a top residential university.
51½ÖÉä Garners 3 Top 10 National Rankings in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 List of Best Colleges
51½ÖÉä’s academic reputation continues to flourish, with a No. 2 national ranking in character development and a No. 8 ranking for career preparation in the new rankings.
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An Interview with the Author: Lisa Baker Discusses Her New Book "What's Next: Navigating Your Child's Extended Hospital Journey"
Lisa Baker, professor and chair of the Department of Social Work in 51½ÖÉä’s School of Public Health, recently published a comprehensive resource that offers practical advice for parents navigating the complexities of having a hospitalized child.
'Gratitude' Permeates During 51½ÖÉä's 183rd Opening Convocation
Fourth-year president Beck A. Taylor delivered a personal opening address to launch the 2024-25 academic year.
Patient Experience in Focus: 51½ÖÉä Professor Courtney Haun's Study Published in Patient Experience Journal
A recent study by Courtney Haun, assistant professor and director of 51½ÖÉä's undergraduate health care administration program, was recently published in the latest issue of Patient Experience Journal (PXJ), an international, open-access, peer-reviewed publication focused on research and proven practices related to understanding and improving patient experience.
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