Southern Utah University's College of Health Sciences Celebrates a Year of Remarkable Achievements
Posted: September 02, 2025 | Author: Jacob Carr | Read Time: 6 minutes
As a new academic year begins, Southern Utah University's College of Health Sciences (COHS) proudly reflects on the previous 2024-2025 academic year that showcased the college's unwavering commitment to innovation, community engagement, and student success. This year in review highlights just a few of the many accomplishments that define COHS's success.
Department of Agriculture and Nutrition Science
The Department of Agriculture and Nutrition Science (AGNS) has enjoyed a particularly fruitful year, demonstrating its deep commitment to both academic rigor and real-world impact.
A standout moment came when Professor Dean Winward was inducted into the Southwest Livestock Show Hall of Fame, recognizing over three decades of invaluable contributions to the junior livestock show. Additionally, Professor Winward received the inaugural "USU Outstanding Research Partner Award" for SUU Agriculture's cooperative efforts on Utah State University's Water Optimization Research Project, an ongoing initiative at the SUU Farm focused on efficient irrigation.
AGNS continued its tradition of community service by hosting the Annual Conservation Tree and Shrub Sale at the SUU Valley Farm. In collaboration with multiple conservation districts and agencies, over 6,000 bare-root plants were dispersed for vital conservation purposes, with hundreds of pollinator species also given away.
SUU's Valley Farm also garnered national attention by hosting a USDA-Agriculture Marketing Service training tour on July 18, focusing on sheep and forage production in the Western U.S.
In the department of Nutrition, Professors Celesta Lyman and Dr. Temi Ibiyemi represented SUU at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo.
A significant milestone for the department was the proud celebration of the first cohort of graduates from the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program. These students showcased remarkable dedication, achieving a 100% placement rate into competitive dietetic internships.
Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation
The Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation (KOR) has reached new heights this past year, celebrating a diverse array of achievements from its faculty and students.
A tremendous honor was bestowed upon faculty member Dr. Abigail Larson, who was inducted into the Simley High School Hall of Fame in recognition of her remarkable career as both a scholar and an Olympian. Dr. Larson's impressive journey includes being a four-time All-American in cross-country skiing and a U.S. National Champion before representing the country at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
In a showcase of SUU's "University of the Parks" designation, the Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism (ORPT) program hosted the inaugural University of the Parks Expo.
Additionally, the department's dedication to scholarly inquiry was highlighted by the impressive work of students in the Master's of Sports Conditioning & Performance program. Several student theses were published in the International Journal of Exercise Science and presented to the American College of Sports Medicine.
Finally, students in the Master of Athletic Training program achieved a perfect 100% pass rate on the Board of Certification Exam on their first attempt, and earned second place at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers' Association Quiz Bowl, with four students honored with invitations to present at the National Athletic Trainers' Association Symposia.
Department of Nursing
The Department of Nursing has enjoyed a year of significant milestones, showcasing the department's dedication to providing top-tier education and preparing students to be leaders in healthcare.
A major highlight was the celebration of the 20-year anniversary of the original nursing program, a monumental event that brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to reflect on two decades of providing high-quality nursing education.
Additionally, the nursing master's degree program was granted five-year accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Adding to the department's influence, Professor Shane Yardley was appointed to the Utah State Board of Nursing and Certified Nurse Midwives, where he now serves as one of two RN representatives, bringing a respected SUU voice to state-level policy.
Students also continued to excel on the national stage, with Tessa Smith, a level-three nursing student, completing a prestigious summer internship at the Mayo Clinic. Her hard work paid off, as she was offered and accepted an RN position in the Thoracic Vascular ICU after graduation. Other students also made their mark, with a group of ten attending the Utah Student Nurse Association convention, and students Brooke Dewey and Sierra Stanworth attending the national convention in Seattle.
College Highlights
Beyond the departmental achievements, the COHS celebrated a year of growth through collaborative efforts, student scholarships, and impactful events. The second annual COHS Scholarship Symposium on Dec. 7 featured over 150 students presenting on 55 research posters. Student success was also celebrated during Health Sciences Week in October, where COHS's Student Advisory Committee hosted a series of active-learning events to give students a taste of the college's diverse academic programs.
The college's global perspective expanded with two new study abroad opportunities. A group of students traveled to England for a program on sports in British culture, attending live soccer, rugby, and cricket matches, and touring historic venues. Another group went to Costa Rica for a nutrition program to explore local food systems and cultural dietary patterns, making cheese and tortillas, and visiting local schools.
Finally, the annual COHS 5K Fun Run on April 12 brought together 139 generous donors who raised over $2,500 for student scholarships. These funds will help students travel to scholarly conferences to present their research and to participate in study abroad programs.
Annual Academic Awards Ceremony
To cap off the year, the College of Health Sciences held its Annual Academic Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding students, faculty, and staff. The ceremony also celebrated the contributions of distinguished alumni.
Nutrition student Madyson Hacking was honored as the college's 2024-2025 valedictorian.
The first-ever COHS Outstanding Alumni Awards were also presented:
- Nutrition: Melanie Taylor, a registered dietitian who serves on the Utah Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics board.
- Outdoor Recreation: Derek Bryan, Director of SUU Outdoors, and an outdoor professional with 24 years of experience.
- Nursing: Drew Willmore, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified, who worked in the Cedar City Hospital emergency department for six years and now works in urgent care.
The college also celebrated many outstanding individuals for their contributions:
- Outstanding Students: Anna Wilde, Clara Anderson, Connor Meacham, Tyson Herrera, Kennedy Stacey, Ashley Burnside, Arianna Rossi, Chantelle Guymon, Emily Meanea Childs, Adrianna Fowler, Alex Williams, Kallie Graves, Peyton Brown, Audrey Smart, Christine Shippling, Tel Hirschi, Paige Peay, Paige Deppe, and Nikki Monds.
- Outstanding Faculty and Staff: Lee Wood (AGNS), Julie Taylor (KOR), Kevin Tipton (Nursing), and Teresa Higbee (Staff).
- Dr. Rick Lambson Teaching Excellence Award: Matt Schmidt.
A Look to the Future
The 2024-2025 academic year was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit that define the College of Health Sciences. From record enrollment to national recognition and pioneering research, the college's accomplishments have put it on the map and positioned it for continued success. With the establishment of a new Office of Research and Scholarship on the horizon, the college is looking forward to fostering even more innovation and excellence in the coming year. These achievements are not just a point of pride for the college, but a promise of the bright future our students will create as they become leaders in their fields.
Tags: College of Health Sciences Campus
