Message from Dean Whalen

Dear CAHS Alumni and Friends,

Welcome to the 2021-2022 CAHS eConnections. Rather than a yearly printed publication, the college will be able to update you more frequently on our activities, accomplishments, and upcoming events on a bi-monthly basis by continuing to use this virtual communication platform. As I reflect on the past year, our college’s number one goal was to successfully manage through the COVID interruption, and I am happy to report we achieved this goal!

In spite of the COVID interruption, the college has experienced amazing successes amid unimaginable challenges. CAHS’s overall enrollment grew 5.4% to 3,046 students, and we launched two new programs: the online Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership and the on-campus Master of Science in Athletic Training. 838 CAHS students successfully completed clinical practicums/field experiences/internships, and 934 CAHS students graduated over the course of the 2020-2021 academic year.

In summer 2020, we offered all CAHS courses online to accommodate for the university’s physical closure due to the COVID pandemic. In fall 2020 and spring 2021, we conducted 17.5% of courses in-person for our students whose accredited programs required clinical skill training and competency testing prior to practicum placement. In order to accommodate a safe environment for CAHS on-ground faculty, staff, and students, we delivered these courses with extreme attention to detail, which included managing entrance and egress, tracking the total number of people in the building, implementing a vigorous cleaning protocol, and requiring mandatory use of PPE and strict adherence to CDC and state guidelines. I’m happy to report that our faculty and staff’s diligence paid off and we successfully managed through the fall and spring semesters without any setbacks or time delays for the students who needed the clinical skills lab courses.

The college restarted research activities in June 2020 which required our investigators to adapt their projects to adhere to the public health regulations. At the end of the 2020-2021 academic year (June 30), CAHS faculty submitted 112 manuscripts, book chapters, and articles for publication, and delivered 93 virtual presentations at state, national, and international professional meetings. The college faculty submitted 39 research funding proposals, and 34 proposals were funded, which has increased the total amount of research funding in the college to $3.9 million.

We are looking forward to moving to a new “normal” this fall semester and plan to hold 134 courses in the building. As a result of the COVID interruption, we have learned to further enhance our programs’ curricula with an infusion of innovative electronic technology. In the upcoming year, we plan to use a hybrid curricular format where possible to give the students maximum flexibility while fostering the sense of community brought about by gathering together for activities in real-time. 

In closing, I hope that you and your family are healthy, and more importantly, that you were able to successfully manage through this challenging past year. Our beautiful new building will be back open this fall, and we are planning events to welcome you in. Please save the November 6 date to attend the university’s Homecoming festivities; keep an eye on the Homecoming page for updates. We also look forward to hosting engagement opportunities throughout the year to connect you with each department. Details will be shared on our CAHS Alumni Association page. I am always available by phone or email if you have any comments, ideas, or opportunities to share and discuss. I hope to see you in person soon.

Sincerely,

Tina F. Whalen, EdD, DPT, MPA, PT
Dean, Professor