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COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2 026

NURSING IS DIFFERENT HERE

GCSU’s bachelor’s and online master’s in nursing degrees rank No. 1 and No. 2 in Georgia, respectively, according to U.S. News & World Report.

HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE IS DIFFERENT HERE

73% of the most recent health & human performance graduating class reported either continuing their education or immediate job placements prior to graduating.

CONTENTS COVER | COHS Mobile Unit

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN DR. WILL EVANS DEAN, COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Looking back on the past year, the College of Health Sciences at Georgia College & State University has much to be proud of as we seek to advance both the college’s mission and that of the university. Our programs are growing, and we have strong track record of placing our graduates in rewarding fields within the health sciences as well as professional and graduate programs. This past year, exercise science had the most students moving on to professional programs and many will become successful health care providers soon. In addition, our nursing program continues to have increased interest with undergraduate nursing as the most desirable major among all entering freshmen at GCSU. We have added faculty in Health & Human Performance who are dually trained as exercise scientists and athletic trainers, and added health care doctorate holders to bolster our efforts in helping students reach their professional program goals.

outstanding job of delivering these services to middle Georgia. In the area of nursing education, our programs continue to get the attention of state and regional leaders with a brand-new facility now open for simulation and translational research. As this is being written we are the recipients of a $6 million grant from the University System of Georgia aimed to train Georgia nurses in the art of simulation-based instruction. This center delivered 27,000 contact hours to our students this past year, making it among the most robust centers of its kind in the south. The College of Health Sciences faculty and staff are also involved in leadership roles at the university, community, state and national levels within the health sciences in addition to the exemplary job they do in educating students and delivering on our college mission. We face many challenges in this wild world of innovations but because of this team of professionals we have assembled here at Georgia College & State University, I truly believe the outlook for this college is great!

In addition to our teaching mission, our Mobile Health Unit and Center for Health & Social Issues provided needed community health outreach along with providing our students valuable experiences in preventive screening programs as far away as the metro Atlanta area. These outreach efforts have a profound effect on our surrounding counties and Dr. Damian Francis and his team have done an

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

Dr. Will Evans Dean, College of Health Sciences

OUR STUDENTS

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OUR NEWEST FACULTY MEMBER, DEBBIE GRIER, RN, MSN Debbie Grier has been a nurse for 35 years with experience in medical/surgical, emergency, cardiovascular, nursing education and regulatory nursing. She practiced as a licensed practical nurse for 10 years before earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from GCSU in 2000. She was awarded the Outstanding Clinical Student Award and named the Outstanding Departmental Major for the Department of Family Health. In 2005, she received her Master’s in Adult Health Nursing with a focus in nursing education from GCSU and was named the Outstanding Departmental Major for the nurse educator track. Grier’s graduate thesis focused on gender bias in the decision-making processes of triage nurses concerning patients presenting to emergency departments for symptoms of coronary artery disease. Mrs. Grier enjoys teaching nursing students and helping them connect classroom knowledge to real-world clinical practice. She has received the Outstanding Teaching Award in the College of Health Sciences (2015), a Daisy Award (2016) and the Laurie Hendrickson McMillan Faculty Award (2018).

MEET OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBER, CHANCE DENNEY Chance Denney is a Savannah native, receiving his BBA in Business Administration at Mississippi State University. During his time at MSU, Chance helped with some small local outreach programs. He also traveled to Uganda on a mission trip with Show Mercy International, supporting community outreach, helping the elders and disabled with home projects, and assisting with an after-school program for children and the on-site Medical Clinic. Stepping into this role, Denney is excited to help new ideas come to fruition, like this Annual Report, while also supporting the Dean’s Office in advancing the success of the School of Health & Human Performance and the School of Nursing. During his free time, you can catch him reading books, finding something new to learn or simply enjoying the world around him.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

OUTCOMES

ALUMNI: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? DR. JOY KING Joy King - Georgia College & State University congratulates Dr. Joy King (’09, ’15, ’17), for earning a spot in Georgia Trend magazine’s 2024 '40 Under 40.' King received support and guidance from nursing faculty members Drs. Judith Malachowski and Carol Sapp. They inspired King to become involved with the Georgia Nurses Association, where she now serves as president-elect, advocating for policies that support nurses and communities, especially in rural areas.

PEYTON TUCKER Peyton Tucker - Milledgeville OBGYN Associates, P.C. welcomed Peyton Tucker (’25), WHNP-BC as the practice’s newest nurse practitioner. Tucker brings with her five years of experience in pediatrics and labor and delivery nursing and shares the practice’s commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Middle Georgia State University in 2019 and her advanced nursing degree from Georgia College & State University in 2025. She is a member of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her clinical interests include preventive healthcare and family planning.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

CENTER FOR HEALTH & SOCIAL ISSUES MOBILE HEALTH UNIT

The Mobile Health Unit serves regional counties by offering preventative screening and health educational outreach. These activities strengthen students’ understanding of health equity, social determinants of health and the nurse’s role in community-based care. CHSI currently manages two state-level program evaluation contracts supporting the Georgia Asthma Control Program (GACP) and Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) efforts. The Center provides comprehensive evaluation services, including development of data collection tools, technical assistance to public health districts, quarterly reporting and performance measurement systems. These efforts strengthen evidence-based decision making and support continuous program improvement across state health initiatives and research consortiums.

CHSI AWARDS

Georgia Department of Public Health: $134,900 The CHSI leads the evaluation of a Global Prostate Cancer Research Consortium (Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity) to determine 1.) extent of collaboration and quality of

communication, 2.) performance of projects and infrastructure, 3.) data quality, 4.) scientific productivity and 5.) impact on member organizations.

U.S Department of Defense and Center for Disease Control North Central Health District Supporting Health Initiatives & Nurturing Equity: $54,165

Under the Food Service Guidelines initiative, CHSI completed a Landscape Review Report and developed an FSG Implementation Plan. The team implemented Healthy Eating Research Nutrition Guidelines across five food pantries and backpack programs in Baldwin County, achieving 80–90% compliance with “choose often” food categories while serving over 1,600 individuals monthly. The team also negotiated vending contract modifications at GCSU, conducted campus-wide taste-testing events, surveyed 280 community members regarding healthy vending preferences and established behavioral design standards for 56 vending machines and micro-markets on campus to promote healthier food choices.

Dr. Damian K. Francis is an epidemiologist and public health evaluation scientist serving as Associate Professor of Public Health and Director of the Center for Health & Social Issues at GCSU. His work focuses on program evaluation, implementation science, health equity, and chronic disease prevention. Dr. Francis leads multiple state and federally funded evaluation initiatives in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health, including development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks for chronic disease programs, evaluation of asthma control and SNAP-Ed nutrition interventions and technical assistance to public health districts to strengthen data systems, performance measurement and reporting capacity. He also directs evaluation of CDC REACH-funded nutrition and food environment initiatives and has conducted community health needs assessments addressing tobacco use disparities. Dr. Francis has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and brings extensive experience translating evaluation findings into actionable public health policy and practice.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

SIMULATION & TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER Georgia College & State University’s expanded Simulation and Translational Research Center (Sim Center) is providing College of Health Sciences students with enhanced opportunities for hands-on clinical learning. Opened in fall 2025, the Sim Center relocated from a 6,000-square-foot space at the local hospital to a newly enovated 13,000-square-foot facility on Roberson Mill Road. To meet growing demand for simulated clinical experiences, Georgia College invested $633,000 to transform the space into realistic hospital and outpatient care environments. The facility features nine high-fidelity simulation suites equipped with hospital beds, robotic manikins and advanced medical technology. Standardized participants—actors trained to portray patients—further enrich the learning experience. Together, these resources provide more than 27,000 simulation contact hours annually. Additional features include classrooms, a large conference area, an OSHA-compliant wet/suture lab and an obstetrical suite where a maternal manikin can simulate childbirth. Along with the GCSU Skills Acquisition Lab, the Sim Center is seeking full accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare,

“Our goal is to create clinical scenarios that mirror the complexity and unpredictability of real patient encounters because when learners have already navigated that complexity in a safe environment, they arrive at the bedside not just trained, but truly prepared.”

– Dr. Sterling Roberts

making it one of only two accredited facilities in the University System of Georgia. Students immerse themselves in realistic clinical scenarios by “clocking in” and functioning independently as healthcare professionals. Faculty guide learners through high-risk, lowfrequency situations such as cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism and shoulder dystocia, allowing students to build confidence and competence in a controlled environment before entering practice. Using sophisticated manikins capable of simulating heart and lung sounds, pulses and other physiological responses, students assess, prioritize and treat patients while collaborating with care teams. Faculty monitor simulations from control rooms and tailor scenarios tospecific learning objectives. Following each exercise, structured debriefing sessions help students reflect on their performance, strengthen clinical judgment and improve communication skills. The Sim Center represents a significant READ MORE: investment in healthcare education and supports GCSU’s mission of preparing practice-ready healthcare professionals for Georgia and beyond.

Dr. Sterling Roberts is the Executive Director of the Simulation and Translational Research Center and is a triple Bobcat. She holds the highest certification in simulation from the Society of Simulation in Healthcare and is an alumnus of the National League for Nursing Lead Institutes Simulation Education Program. This year the center has been awarded $6 million to train other nurses in Georgia in simulation management and implementation.

The Simulation and Translational Research Center is seeking final accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare https://www.ssih.org/ as well as recognition from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation https://www.inacsl.org/. COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

SCHOOL OF NURSING

92%

NCLEX BSN Nurse Licensure Exam pass rate

100%

American Association of Nurse Practitioners certification pass rate

100%

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses certification pass rate

With the addition of the Class of 2023, GCSU has awarded degrees and post-master’s certificates to more than 241 Advanced Nursing Education Workforce scholarship recipients, including 158 Family Nurse Practitioners, 60 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, 13 Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners and 10 Nurse Midwives. Our Medical Reserve Corps training program for disaster preparedness and community engagement has trained over 150 students in 2025 and 112 were FEMA emergency preparedness trained.

Undergraduate Nursing Programs (Face to Face)

Key Program Features

• Traditional BSN: Including two years of core curriculum and two years of nursing specific core curriculum. Traditional cohorts are admitted in the Fall and Spring • Accelerated BSN Program: Offers the same curriculum as traditional BSN program but in an accelerated time frame. Those in the accelerated program are admitted in Summer and graduate the following Summer. • Graduates from both the traditional and accelerated BSN programs participate in community events with Mobile Health unit and participate in disaster training with FEMA. All BSN graduates earn a leadership seal upon graduation from the BSN program.

• Accreditation: All programs (excluding midwifery) maintain Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation and Center of Excellence distinction. • Clinical Training: Graduate programs offer online coursework with approved clinical rotations in Georgia.

Graduate Nursing Programs (Online) • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Available in full-time (six semesters) or part-time (nine semesters) formats with specialized tracks: • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) • Nurse Educator (NE) • Nurse Midwifery • Post-Master’s Certificates: Available for MSN-prepared nurses seeking certification in the above specialties. • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): For nurses seeking the highest level of practice, including a BSN-to-DNP pathway. • BSN – DNP: Allows BSN nurses to pursue a master’s level degree in one of the graduate program specialties and complete a terminal degree in 9 semesters. The first was admitted in Summer 2024.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

SCHOOL OF HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE The School of Health and Human Performance at Georgia College & State University continued to build momentum during the 2025 academic year through excellence in teaching, scholarship, student engagement, experiential learning, professional service and community outreach. Faculty and students within Public Health, Exercise Science, the Master of Science in Athletic Training and the Master of Science in Coaching & Athletic Performance programs demonstrated exceptional achievement across regional, national and international platforms. SHHP faculty continued to elevate the national and international reputation of GCSU through outstanding professional service and applied scholarship. Faculty engagement ranged from international collaborations and professional organization leadership to applied sports science consultation with elite and professional athletic organizations,

including NASCAR racing initiatives. Faculty members remained active in peer-reviewed scholarship, conference presentations, certification leadership, student mentorship and community partnerships that directly impacted the advancement of health and human performance disciplines. The SHHP Exercise Science Laboratory continued its investment in cutting-edge technology with the addition of a new Delsys 8-lead wireless Electromyography system integrated into the existing state-of-the-art Motion Monitor system. This enhancement significantly expands research and teaching capabilities related to biomechanics, neuromuscular assessment, movement analysis, rehabilitation science and sport performance evaluation. The technology further strengthens experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students while supporting advanced faculty research initiatives and external partnerships.

The School of Health and Human Performance remains committed to advancing student success, applied scholarship, professional leadership, and experiential education while continuing to position Georgia College & State University as a regional and national leader in health sciences and human performance education.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

NEW FUNDING & GIVING

AREAS TO GIVE: – School of Nursing – School of Health & Human Performance – Center for Health & Social Issues – Mobile Health Unit – Simulation & Transitional Research Center

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

SCAN THE CODE TO MAKE A DONATION

RESEARCH DR. KANINJING CONTINUES AS INTERNATIONAL LEADER IN PROSTATE CANCER OUTCOMES Dr. Ernie Kaninjing is an Associate Professor of Public Health and the Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program. His research focuses on the ability to identify and mitigate the environmental, dietary, behavioral and social risk factors that contribute to differences in prostate cancer outcomes. His research examines the impact of immigration on prostate cancer outcomes among sub-Saharan African Immigrants and Caribbean Immigrants in the United States. He is the principal investigator for two federally funded research projects by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. Dr. Kaninjing has mentored many students interested in research activities beyond the classroom. They have presented their research findings at national and international conferences. He has also collaborated with students in the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals. His NIH-funded work is done in partnership with colleagues from the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Psychology and the data generated from this work is used to enhance student learning experiences at multiple departments at GCSU.

PREPPING NURSES FOR TRAUMA CARE The Health Resources and Services Administration-funded Advanced Nursing Education – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program (2018-2027; >$3.2 million) prepares registered nurses for forensic nursing practice through didactic and clinical training in trauma-informed care, interprofessional collaboration, legal documentation and forensic assessment. Since implementation, approximately 200 registered nurses have enrolled with 99% successfully completing program requirements. Additional outcomes include support for 15 nurses pursuing certification and refresher simulation training for approximately 30 practicing SANE’s.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

RESEARCH A SAMPLE OF PUBLICATIONS FROM THE PAST YEAR Ketchie, M., Schwartz, K. Coke, S., (2026) Exploring the experiences of newly certified midwives and women’s health nurse practitioners in medically underserved populations. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health 0:1. doi:10.1111/jmwh:70120 Kaninjing, E., Ogunsanya, M.E, Asiedu, G., Francis, D., Van Voorhis, K., Heppner, W. Dickey, S.L., Taylor, A., Mijena, J., Dagne, G., Young, M.E, Gwede, C., & Odedina, FT. (2026). The Development of a Model of Acculturation and Health Practices Among SubSaharan African Men (MAPS) in the United States: a grounded theory study of prostate cancer early detection. BMC Public Health. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-26613-z Bettmann, J.E., Speelman, E., Jolley, A., & Casucci, T. (2025). A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of nature exposure dose on adults with mental illness. Behavioral Sciences, 15(2), 153. Rogers, B., Roberts, S. L., Bertz, R. (2025). Leveraging Simulation Data for System-level Curriculum Evaluation: An Integrative Review. National League for Nursing. Norris-Taylor, J. Canady, K & Warren, T. (2025). Primary Prevention of Incivility in Nursing Students. International Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences (November 2025). https://www.nursingjournals.net/archives/2025/vol7issue2/PartA/7-2-13-278.pdf Evans M.W., Harrison Swartz, J., Ndetan, H., Francis, D., Moore, J., Kozub, M., Kaninjing, E., Jones-Locklear, J., Greene, D., Doss, J. (2025) Personal health advice in the world of Artificial Intelligence: an assessment of responses from ChatGPT for three common health conditions in the southern United States. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South 5(3);6. DOI: https://doi. org/10.55533/2996-6833.1111 Ogunsanya ME, Kaninjing E, DeForge SM, Morton DJ, Cole P, Beckford P, Reese D, Mitchell T, Montgomery E, Odeleye RO, MiróRivera EY, Roberts K, Neil JM, Alexander AC, Funk-Lawler RK, Azizoddin D, Roach M, Washington SL, Dwyer K, Young ME, Odedina FT, Kendzor DE. (2025) Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Prostate Cancer Survivorship and Advocacy Among Ethnically Diverse Black Men Through Community Town Halls. Journal of Cancer Education. 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-025-02587-1. Butler, S.M., Oswalt, S.B., Hughes, C.M.L. et al. (2025). Condom Acquisition, Errors, and Breakage among U.S. Cisgender College Students. Archives of Sexual Behavior 54, 859–871. Terhune EA, Dagne MB, Barsoum M, Viswanathan M, Ali R, Welch V, Pizarro AB, Sathe N, Duque T, Francis D, Rizvi A, Riddle D, Turner RW, Baker TA, Heyn PC. Defining racial health equity: an integrative analysis of terminology and conceptualizations. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2025 Dec 12;190:112103. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2025.112103. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 41391733. Dagne MB, Terhune EA, Barsoum M, Pizarro AB, Rizvi A, Francis DK, Viswanathan M, Sathe NA, Welch V, Duque T, Turner Ii RW, Baker TA, Heyn PC. Terminology and Definitions of Racial Health Equity in Prominent Health Websites: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jul 23;27:e64868. DOI:10.2196/64868. PubMed PMID: 40745911; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC12332040. Hunt, K & Flores, J. (2025). The Escalating Impact of Immigration on Health & Physical Education in Public Schools. JOPERD: The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 96(3), 6-7. DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2025.2451554 Moore, J.B., Turner, L. Stellefson, M., Chaney, B., & Payne, M. (2025). Dental behaviors of college students: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The Journal of American College Health. DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2583201 Parks, A, Doyle, A, Martino, M. (2025). Is There a Post-Activation Performance Enhancement of a Conditioning Activity on a High Velocity Movement in a Different Biomechanical Plane of Motion”, Australian Journal of Strength and Conditioning. Issue 7, Volume 33. Parks, A; Spalding, J; Barnes, A. (2025). “Relationship Between Lead Leg Horizontal Force Production and Vertical Jump Rate of Force Development in NCAA Baseball Athletes”, National Strength and Conditioning Association Abstracts.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

RESEARCH

Bettmann, J.E., Speelman, E., Jolley, A., & Casucci, T. (2025). A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of nature exposure dose on adults with mental illness. Behavioral Sciences, 15(2), 153. Turner, J., Gerbers, K., Jostad, J., & Bell, B. J. (2025). State-level supports for the outdoor recreation workforce. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 17(1), 16-32. Francis, D. K., Pizarro, A. B., Sathe, N. A., Dewidar, O., Viswanathan, M., Welch, V., Duque, T., Heyn, P. C., Terhune, E. A., Ali, R., & Riddle, D. (2025). A systematic review on the use of logic models and frameworks for methodological conduct of evidence synthesis. J Clin Epidemiol, 177, 111583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111583

RESEARCH DAY 2026 SHHP students delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 GCSU Research Day. Students from Public Health, Exercise Science, MSAT and Coaching & Athletic Performance presented high-quality scholarly work focused on human performance, injury prevention, biomechanics, rehabilitation, public health interventions and applied sport science. Faculty mentorship remained a defining strength of SHHP, with undergraduate and graduate students actively engaging in evidence-based research and professional presentation experiences.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

HONORS & AWARDS

PAIGE ALFORD

SUZANNE PALMER WALKER

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE - STAFF - 2026

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE - PATRON - 2026

Paige Alford played an essential role in supporting graduate education during her tenure at the School of Nursing, particularly in student onboarding, clinical placement and program infrastructure. She led the implementation of Project Concert for tracking clinical placements, developed workflows, trained staff and improved monitoring of compliance and student progress. Her contributions ensured accurate records, streamlined processes and supported accreditation and risk management. Even after leaving her position, Alford continued to share expertise and assist current personnel. Her efforts have strengthened graduate programs, reduced administrative burdens and enhanced experiences for students, faculty and partners, making her highly deserving of recognition.

Suzanne Palmer Walker generously volunteers her time and expertise on domestic violence every semester as a guest speaker for the School of Nursing, a commitment she has maintained for seven years. She visits campus to deliver exceptional presentations, outlining ways to recognize signs of violence and guiding students on how to refer clients to helpful resources like Crisis Line and Safe House in Macon. Her continued dedication at GCSU supports both the COHS and School of Nursing’s mission.

MORE AWARD WINNERS COHS Staff Excellent Award – Patsy Hicks COHS Excellence in Teaching – Dr. Joyce Norris-Taylor COHS Excellence in University Service – Dr. Morgan Fordham-Turner SON Collegiality Award – Dr. Talecia Warren SHHP Collegiality Award – Dr. Damian Francis Laurie Henderson MacMillan Faculty Award – Dr. Angela Queen

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

HONORS & AWARDS COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Jennifer Joshi (’12, ’16) is a dedicated and accomplished registered nurse with seven years of experience at Emory Healthcare, where she provides compassionate, patient-centered care across diverse clinical settings. Previously, she worked in orthopedics and inpatient rehabilitation, earning certifications in Orthopedic Nursing (ONC) and Phlebotomy (CPT). Her commitment to excellence has been recognized through multiple honors and awards, including the Team Spirit Award, Nurse Excellence Award, and recognition as a Problem Solver. Mrs. Joshi is known for her adaptability, professionalism, and ability to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape while consistently delivering high-quality, individualized care to patients. Mrs. Joshi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and a Master of Science inHealth and Human Performance from Georgia College & State University. Additionally, she earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Augusta University. Outside of her professional work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing tennis, traveling, and exploring new parks.

STUDENT WINNERS Alexis Walker – Outstanding Exercise Science Major Plans to attend occupational therapy school beginning in summer 2027. Currently serving an internship at Activekidz and Adult Therapy. “Receiving this award is an incredible honor and meaningful recognition of the hard work and dedication I have invested throughout my time at Georgia College. It reflects not only my academic achievements, but also the support and encouragement from my professors, classmates, friends and family. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and the opportunities Georgia College has provided to help me grow both personally and professionally.”

Alexandria Williams – Outstanding Public Health Major Pursuing a master’s degree in community nutrition at the University of Georgia beginning in the fall. “Receiving this award is a great honor. I am proud of the work I have put into my college career, but it shows me that the faculty who have mentored me see a bright future ahead of me. This is an outcome that allows to me look back on the work I've done and appreciate the effort, dedication and commitment that have taken me to this point. I hope to inspire those that come behind me in the Public Health major to make the most of their college career and truly learn how they can pave their way by taking advantage of the many opportunities they are given.”

Bella-Kate Caro – Outstanding Nursing Major Working as a mother-baby nurse at Northside Forsyth in Cumming, Georgia. “Receiving the Outstanding Nursing Major Award was such an honor. Nursing school required so much hard work and sacrifice, and this accolade truly represented that. It meant so much to me to be recognized by the work that I am deeply passionate about.”

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

STUDY ABROAD BELIZE ADMINISTERING FREE HEALTHCARE ABROAD OFFERS STUDENTS ‘LIFE-CHANGING’ WORK EXPERIENCE Eighteen GCSU College of Health Sciences students spent more than two weeks in May 2025 providing free healthcare services to approximately 1,000 residents of San Ignacio, Belize, while gaining invaluable hands-on experience through the Belize Study Abroad Program. Students delivered health assessments, dental hygiene care, First Aid and CPR training, physical therapy clinics andeducational workshops on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease prevention. “For many residents, this was their first experience receiving healthcare,” said exercise science major Alexa Allen. “It was eye-opening to see how something as routine as checking blood pressure could make such a difference.” Students also helped residents better understand their health by interpreting vital signs and explaining results. “I got to educate residents on their health data and what it meant,” said exercise science major Brenna Gallman. “They were so grateful.”

the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Kinesiology program, the Belize Study Abroad Program was designed to provide students with the practical experiences sought by competitive graduate programs. The results have been remarkable: For the past decade, participants have achieved a 100% acceptance rate into medical, occupational therapy, physician assistant and physical therapy programs. “Students consistently tell us that their Belize experience became a focal point during graduate school interviews,” Hunt said. “They believe it helped set them apart.” Beyond strengthening graduate school applications, the program helps students develop independence, confidence, adaptability and cultural awareness—qualities essential to effective healthcare practice. Allen, who plans to pursue occupational therapy, said the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone and provided hands-on learning unavailable in a classroom setting. Gallman, who is pursuing sports medicine, said working in a bilingual environment reinforced the importance of adaptability and patient-centered care. Both students described the program as life-changing, citing its lasting impact on their personal growth and professional development while making a meaningful difference in the lives of Belize residents.

Developed in 2015 by Dr. Kevin Hunt, professor of kinesiology and coordinator of

• GCSU Students: 8 trips in total (2014-2026). 146 Total GCSU students participated. • 7,000 Community Health Screenings: • 250 Elderly Care Patients art, music, OT and PT care. • 2,500 Elementary Students participated in dental hygiene workshops and hand sanitation, as well as HIV prevention and teen pregnancy prevention workshops. • 500 Coaching Clinic Participants trained in CPR and First Aid response. • 500 Employee Health Fairs health screening and receiving 1:1 consultation for remediation plans to enhance overall health. • We have completed projects building greenhouses, constructing animal pens, planting orchards, building roadways, and more to help build the self-sustaining orphanage. • Hospital: Students have completed over 1,800 hours of volunteer service.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

STUDY ABROAD HONDURAS

NURSING STUDENTS PRACTICE ABROAD IN RURAL HONDURAS Nine Georgia GCSU College of Health Sciences nursing students studied abroad in Honduras for two weeks in fall of 2025, including graduate students from the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner programs and two Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. The students traveled to different villages, bringing primary care services to people with limited access to consistent healthcare. The students cared for nearly 700 patients — a significant portion of the population in the rural Agalta Valley. The team worked in partnership with Dr. German Jimenez, a Honduran physician. “Every day brought new faces, stories and challenges, and each patient reaffirmed why I chose a career in healthcare,” said Morgan Ashley Symonds (’25), a December graduate. “Seeing how limited access to healthcare accelerates the progression of

these conditions was eye-opening. Even small interactions made a meaningful impact.” This experience transformed Symond’s perspective on healthcare. “Nursing is not only about medicine — it’s about humanity,” she said. “I learned the importance of cultural humility, creativity and genuine connection in patient care.” Students performed comprehensive health assessments, diagnosed and treated acute and chronic illnesses, prescribed medications within their scope of practice and provided patient education for disease prevention, nutrition, hygiene and maternal child health. They also helped manage common regional diseases like dengue fever, gastrointestinal infections and parasitic conditions. Students also collected epidemiologic data, conducted screenings and triaged patients for ongoing follow-up care with Jimenez.

• 9 GCSU students in rural Honduras for 2 weeks - 7 Graduate and 2 Undergraduate - Accompanied by Dr. Sallie Coke and HRSA ANEW Grant Director Kasia Shaw • Served 700 patients – a significant portion of the population in the rural Agalta Valley - Worked with Dr. German Jimenez - Performing “comprehensive health assessments, diagnosed and treated acute and chronic illnesses, prescribed medications within their scope of practice and provided patient education for disease prevention, nutrition, hygiene and maternal child health. They also helped manage common regional diseases like dengue fever, gastrointestinal infections, and parasitic conditions.” • “also collected epidemiologic data, conducted screenings and triaged patients for ongoing follow-up care with Jimenez.”

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES ANNUAL REPORT • 2025-26

ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026

231 W. Hancock Street • Milledgeville, GA 31061