SUU College of Health Sciences 2022-23 Annual Report

Message from the Dean

COHS earns exclusive "Healthy People 2023" designation

Inter-professional Education Mobile Wellness Program formed

COHS students participate in I.P.E Exchanges

AGNS Hosts Annual FFA Event with hundreds of participants

KOR Faculty lead OX66 Research Study

Nursing students and SUU Football partner with "Be-the-Match"

COHS hosts inaugural 5K "Fun"-ding Run

Inaugural COHS Advisory Board launched

COHS hosts annual awards banquet

Dr. Rick Lambson Teaching Excellence Award established

COHS hosts annual Convocation Ceremony

Sydney Bond honored as COHS Valedictorian

Inaugural COHS Student Advisory Committee formed

COHS students and faculty study abroad in Brazil, Europe, and Japan

KOR students attend annual ACSM conference

KOR faculty provide significant leadership for Faculty Senate

KOR faculty promote exercise on campus

Two faculty announce retirements...three faculty earn tenure

YEAR IN REVIEW

Welcome to the College of Health Sciences (COHS) at Southern Utah University. We are proud to recognize you as an alum, friend, and/or supporter of one of our nationally recognized academic programs in the college. It has been a professional privilege for me to join the college leadership team at the start of the 2022-2023 academic year, and to advocate for our outstanding students, programs, faculty and staff. Thank you for your ongoing support of COHS.

Sincerely,

J. Tony Oliver - Dean

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Building of COHS continues in 2022-23

Established by the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year with a focused mission and vision, the College of Health Sciences (COHS) was in major building mode during the 20222023 academic year. Thanks to the excellent work of dedicated faculty, two new Master of Science degree programs were approved, including the MS in Nursing: Leadership & Administration (May 2023 start) and the MS in Nutrition & Dietetics (Fall 2023 start), the latter being the first accelerated (4+1) master's degree in SUU history. The inaugural COHS Advisory Board was launched in April, which includes one professional industry representative for each of the eight academic disciplines in the college. The Board will be an excellent resource for industry-specific feedback and support as COHS continues to grow and evolve. Also, the first student advisory committee was established this year, with student representation from each of the three academic departments in the college. The main goals of the committee are to strengthen student unity within the college as well as sponsor a signature event each semester that promotes a healthy campus community. In addition, the first annual faculty excellence award was established to recognize superior teaching, as well as to honor Dr. Rick Lambson, retired long-time department chair and professor in the Department of Physical Education (predecessor to KOR). The Department of Nursing sponsored a successful Health Fair in Februrary while the COHS student advisory committee hosted an inaugural 5K Fun Run in April with 125 participants. In May, COHS students participated in study abroad programs to Brazil, Europe, and Japan. Overall, the 2022-2023 academic year was productive and memorable for COHS.

COHS Mission:

To offer students the knowledge and experience needed to build a healthier and sustainable tomorrow through dynamic, hands-on,andstudent-centeredlearning.

COHS Vision:

To empower students to change the world by promoting sustainability in health, wellness, & quality of life.

COHS in the News

The College of Health Sciences earned the exclusive Healthy People 2030 Champion designation during the 2022-2023 academic year, recognized by the US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP). This designation provides COHS with unique status amongst colleges in the state of Utah, as well as enhanced access to valuable information, tools, and resources. The Healthy People initiative, specifically created for public and private organizations, promotes health and well-being at the local, state, and national levels. In working with the ODPHP, the COHS will be able to connect with other public and private organizations to continue to build a healthier future for all. COHS is honored to work closely with the ODPHP and looks forward to continue to make significant contributions in the ongoing quest for health and wellness for all.

The SUU IPE Mobile Wellness Program was launched to improve health and wellness in rural communities and vulnerable populations in southwestern Utah. The program, led by Dr. Mark Siemon of Nursing, is funded by a $400,000 innovation grant awarded by the Utah Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. Teams of faculty and students will provide health and wellness education on essential topics such as nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and access to community, state, and federal programs to improve social determinants of health (SDOH). The project will also provide opportunities for students to encourage residents in rural communities (and minority students) to consider different types of careers in healthcare.

Master of Athletic Training and Nursing students completed two peer-teaching interprofessional education (I.P.E.) exchanges during the 2022-2023 academic year. Prior to each activity the students were organized into groups within their own cohorts. Groups subsequently prepared to teach healthcarerelated skills for which their profession had an “expertise” but where crossover with the other profession exists.

For example, Athletic Training groups prepared to teach skills related to football equipment removal on a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury and ankle taping, while Nursing groups prepared to teach skills related to taking vital signs and IV therapy. On the day of the peer-teaching activities, Nursing students rotated through the stations taught by Athletic Training students and Nursing students presented their prepared skills to Athletic Training students.

The overall intent of these activities was to further develop Athletic Training and Nursing students' skill sets, as well as to prepare them to work in interprofessional healthcare teams to enhance the care provided to their patients when they begin practicing. Athletic Training and Nursing students both provided positive feedback following these activities, thus the programs plan to continue these activities while further refining them to enhance interprofessional education within the College of Health Sciences.

Agriculture hosts Annual FFA Event

The 2022 SUU Livestock, Horse, Range and Agronomy Judging contest took place Tuesday, September 27, 2022. A total of 415 students from 35 high schools participated in the event held at Diamond Z Arena and the SUU Valley Farm. The contest has been held annually over 50 years (*cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19). High school FFA chapters and advisors come together in Cedar City each year to compete in judging contests, show what they know about the 4 agriculture areas, and learn how to improve. The event is appreciated by FFA advisors as it prepares their students for future state competitions. Prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place individuals in each of the 4 categories. 1st place individuals received beautiful belt buckles designed by Montana Silver Smith. Teams with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes got certificates, and 1st place

Donuts for all students were from Cedar City Lin's and were graciously donated by the local Cedar City IFA, who had a representative there to meet students. SUU Agriculture Club students and Agriculture faculty/staff donated time to host the event, which was emceed by Dean Winward, Agronomy professor. A pizza and soda lunch rewarded AG students afterwards for their time that morning. They also gained valuable community service hours and experience in their disciplines.

Dr. Tyler LeBaron, an adjunct professor, learned of a supplement which is commonly referred to as Ox66. He proposed this original study and was able to make connections with the manufacturer while working with SUU-SPARC and Hemotek to get funding to conduct the study. The primary investigators were Lebaron, and KOR Professor Julie Taylor, along with five undergraduate research assistants: N. Argueta, J. Graffius, D. Pearce, A. Rowley, and K. Woodrum. Previous research had already established that Ox66 can improve oxygen delivery in clinical situations, therefore this study was to determine if there are aerobic performance improvement s associated with taking the supplement. Male and female participants were given the supplement and advised to indulge in maximal exercise test s over a two month period. The participants' maximal aerobic capacity in addition to lactate threshold, heart rate, perceived rate of exertion and several other variables related to aerobic performance were evaluated. Dr. Taylor stated that,

"This project has provided a priceless opportunity for students to assist with research - either as participants or as research assistants…I have truly enjoyed working with so many enthusiastic students during this process.”

Using ANOVA to compare baseline, placebo, and Ox66there were no statistical differences identified. Max rating of perceived exertion was higher regardless of the intervention compared to baseline. Dr. Taylor summarized the research findings by stating that:

"There were no consistent differences between the placebo and the supplement conditions. When men and woman were considered separately, it appeared that men reached their VT at a higher work rate and at a higher HR. Woman reported a lower perceived exertion at their VT with the Ox66 condition, although it appears there are minimal benefits for men and woman during submaximal endurance activities."

Julie Taylor Professor

In April 2023 Department of Nursing students partnered with members of the SUU football team to support the annual "Be the Match" initiative, which encourages volunteer inclusion on the bone marrow volunteer registry. This event was hosted in the student center, and included 453 volunteers, which is a record for the partnership. The enthusiastic volunteers swabbed their DNA and will enter a registry to possibly donate bone marrow or blood stem cells in the future to individuals with cancer. The Nursing student volunteer staff were able to educate SUU students about the importance of their simple donation.

Inaugural COHS 5K "FUN"-Ding RUN

On Saturday, April 22 over 125 participants supported the inaugural College of Health Sciences' 5k "Fun"-ding Run. It was a beautiful spring day, and it was great to see so many come out to support the event and COHS students, including faculty and staff. Athletic training students and staff provided health-wellness coverage for the event.

Due to the tremendous support, COHS was able to surpass both participation (100+ runners) and fundraising ($2000+) goals. The money raised will go towards subsidizing travel expenses for COHS students presenting at professional conferences in AY23-24. These activities will help students gain valuable experience, make connections in their industry, and showcase their research to peers and a wider audience.

Inaugural Advisory Board Launched in April 2023

Dave Staheli was born in Enterprise, Utah and grew up working on local farms from the time he was old enough to carry a shovel until he left to serve a mission. After his mission, some college years and marriage to Shelly Lewis, Dave was drawn back to his love of agriculture, managing Brent Hunter Farms which grew to a 2,000-acre farm operation near Cedar City, Utah. Family, Faith, and Country have always been the highest priorities. Their family and business colleagues at Staheli West, Western Powder Coating and many other business associates, have a continuing passion for family, community, and the agricultural industry.

Ashlee Humphries, MS, LAT, ATC serves as an athletic trainer at Intermountain Sports Medicine. She has worked as the head athletic trainer for Desert Hills High School and with the dancers of Ballet West. Humphries earned her M.S. from Virginia Tech, where she was the athletic trainer for spirit squads from 2019-2021. During her time in Cedar City, Ashlee was a student-athlete on the SUU Dance Team and an athletic training and honors program graduate. She cherishes her time and relationships formed with with the SUU football and gymnastics teams Ashlee is excited to give back to the programs that gave her so much and to serve on the COHS Advisory Board.

Sean Davis is from northern Nevada, and knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine from a young age. He graduated as co-valedictorian from high school before graduating magna cum laude from SUU in 2011 with a major in Exercise Science as well as double minors in Chemistry and Biology. Dr. Davis attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and completed his orthopedic residency at the UNLV school of medicine before completing an additional year sub-specializing in sports medicine at the Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. Dr. Davis is a member of the American Medical Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Alan Pearson is a graduate of SUU, and currently a Urology Care Provider at Intermountain Urological Institute in Cedar City, Utah. Prior to joining Intermountain Health, Alan worked as a Nurse Practitioner at Urology Associates, Cedar City Family Clinic, and Premier Pediatrics. He has worked as a board-certified family nurse practitioner for over 21 years. Alan has also worked at Clark County School District, in the Medical/Surgical unit at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, at Del Mar Gardens in geriatrics, and at the St. George Hospital in the Medical/Oncology unit and Wound Clinic. Alan was a nurse educator at Weber State at SUU, helping to create the inaugural SUU Nursing Program. He earned a MS in Nursing (2001) and Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the U. of Utah (2010).

Dave Staheli Agriculture

Ashlee Humphries Athletic Training

Sean Davis Exercise Science

Alan Pearson Nursing

Artis Grady retired as an Associate Professor of Nutrition and Food Science in 2021 after teaching at SUU for 31 years. She helped nutrition grow from an emphasis in Family and Consumer Sciences to a thriving program in the Department of Agriculture and Nutrition Sciences. Seeing nutrition graduates succeed as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and in other health related professions has been a great joy. Prior to SUU she worked in various aspects of dietetics, including as an administrative dietitian at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN, St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood, MO., and Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, UT. She also consulted for extended care facilities in Kansas, and served as a WIC dietitian and a cardiac rehabilitation dietitian in southern Utah.

Paul Roelandt retired in May of 2018 after a rewarding 40 year career working for the National Park Service. He lived and worked in leadership roles at Grand Canyon National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon and Voyageurs National Parks, and the St.Croix National Scenic Riverway in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Paul served as the Superintendent of Cedar Breaks National Monument from 2003 until his retirement in 2018. In 2007, Paul was a founding member working with many others who established the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative at SUU. After retirement, Paul established “Internships and Adventures”, which is a small non profit that enables him to be a personal one on one resource, providing coaching, guidance and advice to young people interested in exploring careers working on public lands.

Jeff Rudy is the Associate Athletics Director for Football Administration at the University of Utah, after spending 15 previous seasons as Utah's director of football operations. Jeff graduated from SUU with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and from Upper Iowa University with a Master of Sport Administration degree. He played football at Southern Utah, where he was a two-time African-American ScholarAthlete of the Year. Jeff fills a leadership role with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within the Utah athletic department with the staff and studentathletes. Before coming to Utah, Rudy was the athletics director and offensive coordinator at Ontario High School in California (2003-05).

Natalie Suazo serves as Chief Science Officer for a company based in Utah, and she specializes in training female athletes. She oversees evidence-based practices, provides research reviews and manages the continuing education of multiple staff. For the last 8 years, she has also been a strength coach, and most of her athletes are competitive powerlifters. In 2021 Natalie earned her master’s degree in sports conditioning and performance from Southern Utah University. She is pursuing a Ph.D. student in Health Sciences with a concentration in human movement and sports performance. Her research focuses on the health and performance of female strength athletes. She has also served as a heath industry author for 14 years.

Artis Grady Nutrition

Paul Roelandt Outdoor Recreation

Jeff Rudy PE Teach/Coach

Natalie Suazo Sports Conditioning & Perf.

COHS hosted 100+ attendees at the annual

Awards

Banquet

on Monday, April 17, 2023

College of Health Sciences 2022-2023 Valedictorian

Sydney Bond

Outstanding Students in Agriculture and Nutrition Science

Agriculture = Kensey Kendrick

Service in Agriculture = Rebekah Esplin

Nutrition = Jamin Jensen

Research in Human Nutrition = Kamarie Dalton

Outstanding Students in Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation

Exercise Science = Wyatt Fullmer

PE Teaching/Coaching = Maizen Fausett

Outdoor Recreation in Parks & Tourism (ORPT) = Jessica Ellis

Masters in Athletic Training (MAT) = Bec Black

Masters in Sports Conditioning & Performance (MSSCP) = Noah Staheli

Outstanding Students in Nursing

Pre-licensure Nursing = Makayla Walia

Health Professional to BSN = Logan Geauthreaux

RN to BSN = Jordan Shepherd

Nursing Level One = Cassidy Chamberlain

Nursing Level Two = Bailey Jeppesen

Nursing Level Three = Natalie Mahaffey

Nursing Student Nurse Association (SNA) = Riane Pratt

Outstanding Faculty and Staff

Agriculture & Nutrition Science (AGNS) = Celesta Lyman

Kinesiology & Outdoor Recreation (KOR) = Merrill Funk

Nursing = Suzie Campbell

Staff = Caleb Paulson

Dr. Rick Lambson Teaching Excellence Award

established at the 2023 COHS Awards Banquet

The Dr. Rick Lambson Teaching Excellence Award was established at the 2023 COHS Awards Banquet to celebrate consistent excellence in teaching, and to honor the significant, long-term contributions of Dr. Rick Lambson during his 20+ year professional career at SUU, many spent as the chair of the Department of Physical Education. The recognition shall be awarded in the spring semester of each academic year at the annual awards banquet to a COHS faculty member. Contact SUU Advancement if interested in contributing to the award fund.

Rick met his future wife Kat in 1986 when he was finishing his doctorate at Brigham Young University. It was "love at first sight" and two years later they were married. They lived in Texas where Rick taught at West Texas A&M University for twelve years before moving back to Utah in 1999 with their children and being hired by Southern Utah University.

After living in the flat terrain of the Amarillo, Texas area, Cedar City was a welcome sight. It was the perfect setting and location with its red mountains, evergreens, and short jaunts to state and national parks and to Brian Head. The girls took skiing and snowboarding lessons at the nearby resort and Rick also sometimes found his way to Brian Head for some fun in the powder.

Prior to moving to Cedar, they bought a house half a block from the university and while living there, Rick renovated it to later rent to young men attending SUU. The Lambsons quickly made friends in their neighborhood, at church, at school, and at the university. SUU was like an extended family that reached out to include Kat and the girls. They were often invited to office parties and to enjoy dinners up the canyon with the department at Rusty's.

Time at Southern Utah University and Cedar City holds a special place in their hearts where opportunities for growth were presented and relationships bloomed into life-long friendships. Nearly 25 years have passed, but it seems like only yesterday when Steve Lunt said, "You're hired."

Sydney Bond named COHS

Valedictorian for AY 22-23

Sydney Bond was named the valedictorian for Southern Utah University’s College of Health Sciences for the 2022-2023 academic year. She is graduating with a degree in Nursing with a minor in Human Nutrition. From Los Angeles, Sydney plans to work in southern Utah as a nurse after graduation. Bond wanted to go out-of-state for college, and found SUU’s Nursing program and fell in love with the University. She loves the outdoors and all of the recreation options in the region. Bond greatly appreciates the passion for different subjects her professors shared with her through lectures, and particularly enjoyed doing research. Bond has been a member of the Hiking Club and the Service Club. She enjoys service trips such as volunteering at Best Friends Animal Society, exercising her passions for the outdoors, and caring for others. Being named valedictorian is a confirmation of Sydney's dedication to her academic goals. She considers it a great honor and one of her proudest achievements.

Sydney Bond Nursing

COHS hosts Spring 2023 Convocation

Southern Utah University’s College of Health Sciences Convocation Ceremony was held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. in the America First Event Center. President Mindy Benson presided, and was joined on stage by her leadership team, including Provost Jon Anderson, along with SUU Board of Trustees Chair Jodi Hart-Wilson. Dr. J. Tony Oliver, Dean of the COHS, conducted the ceremony. The graduates were congratulated for their significant accomplishment, and encouraged to keep in contact with SUU, the College of Health Sciences, their academic department, their faculty mentors, and their student peers. As they experienced success, they were urged to look for ways to “pay it forward” as well as to “give back” in creative ways to their alma mater to support future generations of Thunderbirds! Congratulations Graduates!

Inaugural Student Advisory Committee Formed

AY 22-23 COHS Student Senator

Ms. Natalie Flores provided dedicated service to COHS during the 2022-2023 academic year, serving as co-chair of the COHS student advisory committee, and also acquiring much needed funding for COHS student initiatives via SUUSA.

Blythe Austin Human Nutrition

Dean Goebel Human Nutrition

Sebastian Mortenson Human Nutrition

Ashley Anderson Nursing

Coldir Cox Nursing

Jenny King Nursing

Dillon Smith President of Agriculture Club

Wyatt Fulmer President of Exercise Science Club

Mitchell Bunn SUUSA Executive Council

Nursing Students Study in Brazil

Twenty nursing students and three Nursing faculty members (Suzie Campbell, Sierra Lund, and SheriDawn Nielsen and their spouses) travelled to Florianopolis, Brazil for ten days in May 2023. The group toured nearby hospitals and healthcare clinics and learned what healthcare is like in Brazil, including the emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

SUU students made presentations to the nursing faculty and students at the University Federale of Santa Catarina (UFSC) and taught them about nursing in the US. The UFSC students presented on healthcare and nursing in Brazil and thus both groups were able to compare nursing roles in the two countries.

The hope is that in the future, nursing students and faculty from UFSC will visit Southern Utah University. The group also participated in tourist activities, including boating out to Campeche Island and hiking the Lagoinha do Leste trail to a secluded beach. Some of the students tried parasailing and surfing and everyone tried fresh oysters, many students for the first time! It was a really great experience for both faculty and students in the Department of Nursing.

KOR Students Study in Europe

What: Exploring Psychological Thought and Culture Across Europe

(*Students could earn 3-6 credit hours in Psychology, English, or Music)

Who: 40 students from majors across campus

(*2 exercise science majors = Alex Lacroix and Madelynn Witteman)

7 Directors: Dr. Grant Corser, Dean Jean Boreen, Dr. Danny Hatch, Dr. Nathan Slaughter of KOR, Dr. Britt Mace, Dr. Keith Bradshaw, Craig Lewis

Where: Prague, Czechia; Vienna, Austria; Munich, Germany; Paris, France; London, England

When: May 1 - May 14, 2023

Student Reflections:

"This program was absolutely incredible. The amount of things we got to see and the experiences we had will last a lifetime for me. I feel like I really got to experience a bit of everything from the opera, to Dachau, to the many museums. So many different and enriching experiences that really made this trip worth it. Even through the hard moments, I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Alex Lacroix - ExSc

"What I loved most about the study abroad program was what I learned about the daily life and activities of each city that we went to, as well as learning a lot about myself. The ell as the palaces of royalty, even down nywhere closer. And how everything is armor of the knights, to the eaning...it continues to impact

Nutrition Students Study in Japan

Seventeen students, including Nutrition and FLHD majors, and two program directors (Matt Schmidt of AGNS & Shawn Christiansen of Education) traveled to Japan for 13 days in May 2023. One of the purposes of the cultural immersion trip was for students to learn the importance that Japan puts on food. Japan is well known for the longevity and health of its population, which the diet plays a major role in.

While in Japan the group traveled using the Shinkansen (bullet train) over 1,500 miles to visit different cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kumamoto, and Matsue. The group visited many outdoor food markets, castles, shrines, temples, and other historical places, such as Matsue Castle which was constructed from 1607 to 1611.

Students also participated in a culture exchange with university students at Shimane University in Matsue, family dinner, traditional drumming class, karate, and a cooking class which taught students how to make several traditional foods. The class also provided education on the health benefits of certain ingredients such as dashi a fermented stock used in miso soup and dried bonito (a type of fish).

This is the eleventh trip to Japan for SUU students and it is an amazing opportunity for them to experience the Japanese culture and expand their knowledge related to their discipline of study.

KOR students attend ACSM in Denver

The Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation and the SUU College of Health Sciences was represented well at the 2023 American College of Sport Medicine Annual Conference held in Denver, Colorado from May 30-June 2, 2023.

Dr. Merrill Funk attended the conference with undergraduate students Wyatt Fullmer, David Pearce, and Jocelyn Graffius to present research evaluating the reliability and validity of popular physical activity devices.

Gately Garnett also presented the results from her Master’s Thesis which examined the prevalence, diagnosis, education, and treatment of diastasis recti abdominis and pelvic floor dysfunction among post-partum women.

Over 4,000 people attended the conference in-person with over 2,500 abstracts presented. This allowed for interactions with other students and researchers to facilitate learning and cultivate ideas for future research. SUU was also recognized as a Silver Campus for the Exercise is Medicine – On Campus initiative which advocates for increased physical activity in university campus communities.

KOR faculty provide significant leadership for Faculty Senate

Two KOR faculty provided significant leadership to SUU during AY 2022-23. Dr. Abigail Larson served as President of the Faculty Senate while KOR colleague Dr. Kelly Goonan served as President-Elect. Both made a significant impact on campus shared governance during the academic year. Congratulations and a job well done! During AY 2023-24, their significant service to the Faculty Senate continues as Dr. Larson will fill the position of Past-President while Dr. Goonan will step into the President's role.

KOR faculty promote exercise on campus

Two KOR faculty continued to provide leadership for the 'Exercise is Medicine' initiative on campus during AY 2022-23. Dr. Merrill Funk and Dr. Marcus Lawrence hosted a SUU Action Grant-funded Exercise is Medicine campus seminar on March 22, 2023. This seminar was entitled "Resistance Training: The Why & How of Lifting Weight" and assisted by Exercise Science club leaders . The seminar was focused on physical activity guidelines for resistance training. Over 200 people were in attendance. Giveaway items included resistance training band sets, 1-month fitness center passes to individuals who entered for a drawing (about 40 total prizes) and protein bars + waters to all attendees. In addition, SUU was awarded "Silver" status from the American College of Sports Medicine for excellence in promoting exercise, health, and wellness on campus during the academic year.

Kelly Goonan Associate Professor

Abigail Larson Associate Professor

Merrill Funk Assistant Professor

Marcus Lawrence Assistant Professor

Two Faculty Announce Retirements

Mrs. Betsy Hatfield in the Department of Nursing accumulated 40 years of professional experience at SUU. She is one of the co-founders of the nationallyrecognized SUU Department of Nursing, and was an active participant in development of the SUU Baccalaureate Nursing Program mission, vision and curriculum. She has facilitated nursing simulation lab activities since the beginning of the program in 2004. Betsy – you will be greatly missed and difficult to replace, but we wish you and your significant other a wonderful next chapter of life filled with interesting adventures and experiences!

Dr. Mark Debeliso in the Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation has been the program director of SUU’s nationally-recognized Master of Science Sports Conditioning and Performance program for many years. This innovative, online degree program offers rigorous course work in sports conditioning enabling professionals to design safe and effective exercise and conditioning programs to meet the needs of their clients and students. Dr. Debeliso has mentored hundreds of graduate students in the research process, resulting in numerous publications. Mark – you will leave a significant leadership legacy in the college, and we wish you all the best as you begin your next chapter of life.

Betsy Hatfield Nursing Lab Specialist

Mark DeBeliso Professor

Three Faculty Earn Tenure!

Dr. Kevin Tipton was awarded tenure following the 2022-2023 academic year. Dr. Tipton's has touched the lives of hundreds of students, faculty, friends, patients, and community during his distinguished career. Kevin is supper passionate about the subjects that he teaches and is very involved with his students. He works with students to secure capstone placements and puts in extra effort to make sure they have a great experience. It is easy to tell he truly cares about his students and their futures. He's made himself constantly available, he listens, and he genuinely wishes to see his students succeed in all that they do in school and in life. Kevin has also provided significant service to his department, college, university, and his profession. Congratulations Kevin!

Dr. Cody Bremner was awarded tenure following the 2022-2023 academic year. He is an effective teacher who actively seeks ways to deepen learning and enhance the student’s overall university experience. He is well-organized, delivers material that engages students and implements evidence-based teaching strategies. Cody has had an impact beyond his academic discipline. For instance, he mentors MSSCP students on their thesis projects and works with Dr. Mark Siemon and Suzie Campbell (Nursing) on research projects. Cody has been an amicable, ethical, collegial, and responsible colleague. He consistently provides service and leadership to his department, college, and SUU. Congratulations Cody!

Dr. Merrill Funk was awarded tenure following the 2022-2023 academic year. He has emerged as one of the most popular teachers in KOR during his time at SUU. His strategic move to an “ungrading” modality in most of his classes emphasizes student learning and his care for helping students succeed. Merrill demonstrates his life-learner mindset by actively participating in professional development activities that have improved his teaching and the student learning environment. He is actively involved in scholarly work, mentoring numerous student-led research projects annually and completing his own research. Merrill helped establish the Exercise is Medicine-On Campus designation for SUU and established an Exercise Science club. In summary, he has made a significant impact on his department, college, and SUU. Congratulations Merrill!

Kevin Tipton Associate Professor

Cody Bremmer Assistant Professor

Merrill Funk Assistant Professor

Student Assessment Updates

Nursing students achieve 100% pass rate on the NCLEX!

SUU' s Nursing Program had their first 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for a HPto-BSN cohort during the 2022-2023 academic year. All 17 students in the cohort passed the exam and graduated in August 2022. The 100% pass rate reflects superior preparation of the students by faculty mentors. Nursing courses combine classroom and experiential learning, emphasizing caring, critical thinking, patient safety, ethical decision-making, communication, civic responsibility, and professional excellence. This comprehensive training provides an ideal learning experience that allows students to both know the material but also apply into practice as they engage in hands-on learning. Congratulations students!

Athletic Training students achieve 100% pass rate on the BOC exam!

The Master of Athletic Training class of 2023 upheld both the tradition and standard of excellence for the MAT program with a 100% pass rate on the BOC Exam (the Athletic Training Profession’s certification exam) on their first attempt. This year’s cohort gained hands-on experience with each student averaging over 480 patient encounters and 1100 hours of clinical experience. Additionally, all of the graduates secured full-time employment in the Athletic Training field. Thus, the MAT program has maintained a 100% first-time pass rate and 100% job placement rate in its 3-year existence.

Accreditation Updates

Two New Master's Programs Approved

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) approved the new Master of Science in Nursing Degree in Leadership and Administration. The program is accepting applications with the first cohort starting on May 15, 2023. This first graduate degree in the history of SUU Nursing will prepare nurses for advancement into leadership roles within the healthcare industry.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics granted a four-year candidacy for accreditation term for the new Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. It will be the first accelerated (4+1) master's degree program in the history of SUU. The first cohort of nine students have been accepted into the program and will begin in the Fall 2023 semester.

AY 2022-2023 Faculty & Staff

Agriculture & Nutrition Science Agriculture

Nutrition Science

Morgan Christensen Farm Manager

Lee Wood Associate Professor

Dean Winward Associate Professor

Andrew Heaton Assistant Farm Manager

Mitch Greer Assistant Professor

Nica Clark Assistant Professor

Alyssa Davis Lecturer

Lizz Hill Lecturer

Celesta Lyman Assistant Professor

Matt Schimidt Associate Professor

Abi Mickelson Lecturer

Kinesiology & Outdoor Recreation

Administrative Team

Kinesiology

Camille Thomas Dept Chair/ Professor

Caleb Paulson Unit Business Manager

Cody Bremmer Assistant Professor

Jeff Cowley Assistant Professor

Mark DeBeliso Professor

Merrill Funk Assistant Professor

Amanda Hawkes Assistant Professor

Abigail Larson Associate Professor

Marcus Lawrence Assistant Professor

Nathan Slaughter Assistant Professor

Julie Taylor Professor

Paul Maggio Lecturer

Outdoor Recreation

Student Success Advisors

Jason Burton Lecturer

Kelly Goonan Associate Professor

Jacob Manning Assistant Professor

Jared Wilcken Assistant Director

Alexis Taeatafa Student Success Advisor

Jason Linnell Student Success Advisor

Tina Calamity Student Success Advisor

Rachel Woodward Student Success Advisor

Nursing Administrative Team

Faculty

Selwyn Layton Department Chair/Assoc Prof

Teresa Higbee Program Manager

Vikki Robertson Admin Assistant II

Janelle Brown Assistant Professor

Suzie Campbell Assistant Professor

Tana Crookston Assistant Professor

Kelly Cross Assistant Professor

Donna De Silva Associate Professor

Donna J. A. Lister Professor

Hayley Davis-Bartlett Assistant Professor

COHS Administrative Staff

Sierra Chowen Lund Assistant Professor

SheriDawn Neilson Associate Professor

Bree Rayburn Assistant Professor

Amanda Roundy Assistant Professor

Mark Siemon Assistant Professor

Kevin Tipton Associate Professor

Shane Yardley Assistant Professor

Betsy Hatfield Lab Specialist

Myah Hansen COHS Office Assistant

Makayla Mitchell COHS Office Assistant

Angelique Salazar COHS Office Assistant

Caleb Paulson COHS Business Manager

Cannon Jones COHS Office Assistant

Faculty/Staff Accomplishments

Scholarship Activities - - -

*AGNS

Dr. Mitch Greer

Greer, M.J., Howell, B.J., & Weisenborn, G. (2022, December). Food Waste: Reflecting on our current habits to benefit the future. Bulletin: Ecological Society of America (undergraduate education: open access).

Professor Celesta Lyman

Lyman, Celesta. Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors Spring Conference: "The Importance of Teaching Students about Trauma-Informed Nutrition". Omaha, Nebraska. March 30, 2023.

*KOR

Dr. Cody Bremner

Seimon M, Bremner CB. (2022). Development of a Disaster Health Competencies Assessment Instrument for Interprofessional Health Profession Students. Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) 2022 Virtual Poster Fair.

Bremner CB, Frahm A, Kirkby B, Allen W, Assaka G, Eberhardt P, Jones M, Southwick J. (2023). The Development of a Proof-of-Concept Virtual Reality Application for Functional Kinesiology. XR Southern Summit in Cedar City, UT.

Dr. Kelly Goonan

Studies in Outdoor Recreation: Search and Research For Satisfaction. Oregon State University Press. Fourth Edition. ISBN 9780870712098. With Laura Anderson, Megha Budruk, Kelly Goonan, Jeffrey Hallo, Daniel Laven, Steven Lawson, Rebecca Stanfield McCown, Ben Minteer, Peter Newman, Elizabeth Perry, Peter Pettengill, Nathan Reigner, William Valliere, Carena van Riper, and Xiao Xiao. (https://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/studies-in-outdoor-recreation-1).

Dr. Marcus Lawrence

DeBeliso, M., Boham, M., Harris, C., Sevene, T., Adams, K.J., Lawrence, M., & Climstein, M. (2022). Allometrically Scaled Grip Strength and the Mature Adult: Brief Report III. International Journal of Science and Engineering Investigations, 11(126), 33-37. *Best Paper Award*

Nipp, H., DeBeliso, M., & Lawrence, M. (2022). The relationship between hand grip strength and women’s collegiate Division I gymnastics performance scores. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, 8(3), 56-66.

Faculty/Staff Accomplishments

Scholarship Activities - -

Dr. Mark Debeliso

Astle, J., & DeBeliso, M. (2023). Motivation for exercise among active seniors. International Journal of Sports Science, 13(1), 1-7.

Fichtner D.D., McChesney, J.W., & DeBeliso, M. (2023). Evaluation of tactile array grip force data. International Journal of Sports Science, 13(1), 14-18.

Climstein, M., Walsh, J., DeBeliso. M., Heazlewood, I., Sevene, T., Del Vecchio, L., & Adams, K.K. (2023). Resting blood pressure in master athletes: Immune from hypertension? Sports, 11(85), https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11040085: e13380.

Gillingham, B., Bishop, A., Higa, G., Adams, K.J., & DeBeliso, M. (2023). The relationship between partial and full range of motion deadlift 1-RMs: A technical note. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(4), 909-914.

Kovach, G., & DeBeliso, M. (2023). A reflection examining the positive influence of past sport participation. International Journal of Sports Science, 13(2), 36-41.

McFalls, T., Maggio, P., & DeBeliso, M. (2023). Assessing exercise habits of retired division I NCAA football player. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 9(4), 1-16.

Palmer, R., & DeBeliso, M. (2023). The relationship between soldier height, weight and Army combat fitness scores. International Journal of Sports Science, 13(2), 19-28.

Bigger, C., Larson, A., & DeBeliso, M. (2022). Establishing normative reference values for the Utah seated medicine ball throw protocol in adolescents The Sport Journal, 27(Oct-7), 1-17.

DeBeliso, M., Boham, M., Harris, C., Sevene, T., Adams, K.J., Lawrence, M. M., & Climstein, M. (2022). Allometrically Scaled Grip Strength and the Mature Adult: Brief Report III. International Journal of Science and Engineering Investigations, 11(126), 33-37. *Best Paper Award*

Falk, J., Larson, A., & DeBeliso, M. (2022). Pack running among female NCAA collegiate cross country teams. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 9(1), 88-95.

Nipp, H., DeBeliso, M., & Lawrence, M. (2022). The relationship between hand grip strength and women’s collegiate Division I gymnastics performance scores. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, 8(3), 56-66.

Orton, S.*, Maggio, P., & DeBeliso, M. (2022). A longitudinal investigation of crowd density and the home court phenomenon in the Women’s National Basketball Association. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 8(6), 14-24.

Faculty/Staff Accomplishments

Scholarship Activities - - -

Assisted one student with completion of Master's Thesis.

Two abstracts from MSSCP students - Augustine Agyei and Emily Wilson - will be presented at the National Strength and Conditioning Association Conference.

Effects of Sport Specialization on Injury Rates in Youth Sports. Augustine Agyei, Marcus Lawrence, Merrill Funk. The National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference. Las Vegas, NV 2023.

The Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Depressive and State-Trait Anxiety Symptoms in Division I Collegiate Track and Field Athletes. Emily Wilson, Marcus Lawrence, Merrill Funk. The National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference. Las Vegas, NV 2023.

Helped conduct multiple research studies with several undergraduate students with three abstracts that will be presented at the national American College of Sports Medicine conference by Wyatt Fullmer, Jocelyn Graffius, and David Pearce.

Running Power as a Metric for Exercise Intensity. Wyatt Fullmer, Dustin W. Davis, Elias M. Malek, Nicole R. Vargas, Michael Dial, Bianca Weyers, Myranda Peck, Wesley Ziegler, Damian Gil, Michael Torres, Camden Cox, Nathaniel G. Bodell, Jacob W. Manning, Merrill Funk, Marcus M. Lawrence, Mark Debeliso, FACSM, James W. Navalta, FACSM, Jeffrey Cowley. The American College of Sports Medicine – Annual Meeting. Denver, CO 2023.

Garmin Wrist Watches Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure Validity During Light Circuit Resistance Training. Jocelyn Graffius, David R. Pearce, Brynlie Ellingford, Bryson Carrier, Charli D. Aguilar, Wyatt Fullmer, Wesley Ziegler, Damian Gil, Michael Torres, Dustin W. Davis, Myranda Peck, Nicole R. Vargas, Bianca Weyers, Kathrine Carlos, Nathaniel G. Bodell, Jacob W. Manning, Jefferey Cowley, Merrill Funk, Mark DeBeliso, FACSM, James Navalta, FACSM, Marcus Lawrence. The American College of Sports Medicine – Annual Meeting. Denver, CO 2023.

Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure Validity and Reliability in Garmin Instinct Watches During Resistance Training. David R. Pearce, Jocelyn M. Graffius, Brynlie Ellingford, Bryson Carrier, Charli D. Aguilar, Damian Gil, Michael Torres, Dustin W. Davis, Wesley Ziegler, Wyatt Fullmer, Myranda Peck, Nicole R. Vargas, Bianca Weyers, Katherine Carlos, Nathaniel G. Bodell, Jacob W. Manning, Jeffery Cowley, Merrill Funk, James W. Navalta, FACSM, Mark DeBeliso, FACSM, Marcus M. Lawrence. The American College of Sports Medicine – Annual Meeting. Denver, CO 2023.

Dr. Merrill Funk

Faculty/Staff Accomplishments

Scholarship Activities - - -

Dr. Abigail Larson contributed to a variety of publications and presentations.

Ligeza, N., Larson, A., & DeBeliso, M. (2022). Resilience, psychological stress, physical activity, and BMI among United States Air national guardsmen: the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(1), 26.

Sophia, B., Kelly, P., Ogan, D., & Larson, A. (2022). Self Reported History of Eating Disorders, Training, Weight Control Methods, and Body Satisfaction in Elite Female Runners Competing at the 2020 US Olympic Marathon Trials. International Journal of Exercise Science, 15(2), 721.

Charitou, S., Pritchett, K., Ogan, D., & Larson, A. (2022). THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EATING DISORDERS, WEIGHT CONTROL METHODS, AND BODY SATISFACTION IN ELITE FEMALE RUNNERS COMPETING AT THE 2020 US OLYMPIC MARATHON TRIALS. International Journal of Exercise Science, 15(2), 721-732.

Biggar, Cory., Larson, Abigail., & DeBeliso, Mark. (2022). The reliability of the Utah seated medicine ball throw among adolescents: Brief Report. Journal of Physical Education Research, 9(1), 1-7.

Falk, J., Larson, A., & DeBeliso, M. (2022). PACK RUNNING AMONG FEMALE NCAA COLLEGIATE CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 9(1).

Joubert, L., Warme, A., Larson, A., Grønhaug, G., Michael, M., Schöffl, V., ... & Meyer, N. (2022). Prevalence of amenorrhea in elite female competitive climbers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 306.

Towner, R., Larson, A., Gao, Y., & Ransdell, L. B. (2023). Longitudinal monitoring of workloads in women's division I (DI) collegiate basketball across four training periods. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5.

Garnet, Gately and Larson, Abigail (2023). Prevalence, Diagnosis, Education, And Treatment Of Diastasic Recti And Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among Postpartum Women. ACSM Annual Meeting and World Congress.

Faculty/Staff Accomplishments

Professor Celesta Lyman chaired the committee seeking candidacy for accreditation from ACEND for the new Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics 4+1 program. It was approved!

Dr. Abigail Larson served as President of the Faculty Senate

Dr. Kelly Goonan served as the President-elect of the Faculty Senate

Dr. Merrill Funk and Dr. Marcus Lawrence helped SUU maintain Silver Level Status for the Exercise is Medicine - On Campus program through the American College of Sports Medicine for the second consecutive year.

ENROLLMENT AND DEGREES AWARDED

ANNUAL UNIT EFFECTIVENESS PLAN (UEP)

Introduction

The College of Health Sciences (COHS) offers nationally recognized academic programs to prospective students, including Agriculture Science, Nutrition Science, Exercise Science, Outdoor Recreation-Parks-Tourism (ORPT), Physical Education Teaching/Coaching, Nursing, and master’s degrees in both Athletic Training (MAT) and Sports Conditioning and Performance (MSSCP). Each of the three academic departments in the college experienced robust student enrollment during the 2021-2022 academic year: Department of Agriculture & Nutrition Science (AGNS) = 287 students; Department of Kinesiology & Outdoor Recreation (KOR) = 579 students; and Department of Nursing (754 students). (*from : third week enrollment).

Summary of Key Accomplishments during the 2021-2022 academic year:

1. Fall 2021 semester enrollment increased by 8.6% from 1,492 <AY20-21> to 1,620 <AY21-22>.

2. COHS set annual records for both bachelor’s (276) and master’s degrees (28) awarded.

3. A new Master of Science - Didactic Program in Dietetics (MS/DPD) degree was approved by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).

4. A new Master of Nursing – Leadership & Administration was approved by the SUU Board of Trustees and is awaiting final approval from the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

5. NCLEX first-attempt pass rate for Nursing pre-licensure students was 95% during AY 202122.

6. Attrition rate for admitted Nursing pre-licensure students was below 3% for AY 2021-22.

7. Nurse.org ranked the SUU Nursing program #1 in the state of Utah in August 2021.

8. Department of Nursing was named a ‘Top Nursing College of Distinction’ (collegesofdistinction.com).

9. Department of KOR received a national ACSM recognition for the ‘Exercise is Medicine’ initiative, one of only 156 universities and colleges worldwide to earn the distinction.

10. The MSSCP graduate program ranked #2 in the US and the Best for Coaching ()

11. The MAT program earned full CAATE accreditation.

12. MAT students earned a 100% first-time pass rate on the NATABOC exam during AY 202122.

13. Intermountain Healthcare renewed the $60,000.00 Diversity Scholarship with Nursing.

14. The Agriculture program started a collaborative sheep mineral supplementation research project with Utah State University.

15. The US Forest Service and the AGNS Department are exploring a partnering to research diverse shrub growth in the intermountain west focused on rangeland rehabilitation and sustainability.

16. The AGNS Department taught 18 lab/applied-based courses during the academic year, either in the SUU Food Preparation Lab or the SUU Valley Farm.

17. The AGNS Department hosted a statewide FFA Agronomy, Livestock, Horse, and Range Judging Contest with 600+ high school students participating from across the state of Utah.

18. A national search during AY 2021-22 yielded the hiring of a new Dean for the college.

1. AGNS faculty Dean Winward received the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Excellence in College University Teaching in Food and Agricultural Sciences Award.

2. AGNS faculty Nica Clark completed her Ph.D. at the University of Utah.

3. AGNS faculty Dean Winward was a co-author of a journal article in Agronomy Journal, the flagship journal of the American Society of Agronomy.

4. AGNS faculty Nica Clark presented a poster at the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior annual meeting. She was honored with the ‘Early Career Research Award’.

5. Nursing faculty Shane Yardley and Suzie Campbell completed their second year of a Nursing PhD program at the University of Northern Colorado.

6. KOR faculty Dr. Abby Larson served as President-Elect of the SUU Faculty Senate.

7. Nursing faculty made necessary preparations to increase admission from 30 to 40 students per cohort in the pre-licensure program.

Proposed Initiatives for AY 2022-2023

1. A new Master of Science (MS) degree in Family Practice (FNP).

2. The formation of a Student Advisory Committee (SAC) for the COHS Dean.

3. The development of an Advisory Board for the College of Health Sciences.

4. The establishment of an annual donor-funded faculty award for excellence in teaching.

5. The development of a new Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Integrative Health Sciences.

6. The formation of an Interprofessional Education (IPE) committee to develop strategy and programming for the SUU-COHS Mobile Wellness Van initiative.

7. The development of short-term study abroad and/or cultural immersion program proposals.

8. The establishment of an annual college-level scholarship celebration for students and faculty.

9. The development and publication of a college-level annual report (‘Yearbook of Celebration’)

Anticipated Resources Needed to Ensure Student Success and Achievement of Goals

1. New faculty line(s) to support enrollment growth within existing and new academic programs.

2. New staff line(s) to support both new program and student enrollment growth. For example, with the eventual development and approval of two new online Master of Science in Nursing programs (Leadership & Administration, Family Practice), the Department of Nursing will need at least a part-time (preferably a full-time) administrative assistant to serve those online programs.

3. Increase annual professional development funding to support faculty attendance and participation at conferences, workshops, credentialing trainings, and seminars. For some disciplines, it is an accrediting body requirement and/or expectation for faculty members to regularly attend professional conferences to maintain currency in their field.

4. Increase in departmental operating budgets to match the increase in faculty hires. For example, the Department of Nursing has added new programs and four new faculty members without an increase in annual operating budget.