UofM’s School of Health Studies Becomes College of Health Sciences

July 1, 2020 - As of July 1, the School of Health Studies at the University of Memphis has transitioned to the College of Health Sciences (CHS). The change better reflects the overall mission and scope of the college’s work, and is due to unprecedented growth in academic programs and student enrollment as well as research productivity by faculty and students. The college employs more than 50 full-time faculty and staff, while servicing nearly 1,700 declared majors. 

“I am excited to lead a great team of faculty and staff through our transition to the College of Health Sciences, as this name better reflects our size and focus,” said Dean Richard Bloomer.  “Over the past five years, we have doubled our number of declared majors, while significantly expanding our research portfolio and laboratories. We are certainly moving forward and will continue to do our collective best to provide a great education to our students.”

CHS has added new programs in nutrition science, medical assisting and an online program in healthcare leadership. This fall, it will launch a new sport coaching concentration and a nutrition, health and wellness minor. There are plans to offer additional graduate programs in the near future that will further add to the CHS portfolio.

The college also has developed a partnership with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare that involves the creation and delivery of a program in surgical technology, due to begin this fall, while also providing Methodist employees an opportunity to enroll in online programs in healthcare leadership, health sciences and other degree programs. 

In addition to its academic expansion, the CHS research program has also grown significantly.  The hiring of several scientists has expanded its well-equipped labs. Researchers have developed a strong focus in health science-specific inquiry at both the cellular and applied levels. They are leaders in their respective disciplines, publishing their research findings in top-tier peer-reviewed journals and receiving national and international recognition for their work.

For students, the change does not impact academic programs, the courses being offered or the requirements to graduate. The majors and concentrations remain unchanged. Students scheduled to graduate this summer will do so under the School of Health Studies name. 

Learn more at memphis.edu/healthsciences.