CCU Conway Medical Center College of Health & Human Performance

Our pre-licensure nursing students engaged in hands-on research this spring designed to deepen their understanding of the patient experience.

Students enrolled in a psychiatric-mental health nursing course participated in a sensory impairment simulation as part of Dr. Rachael Schmitz's research, "Using Experiential Sensory Simulation to Enhance Empathy in Pre-licensure BSN students."

The study examined whether firsthand experience of sensory impairments influenced nursing students' empathy, empathy toward older adults, and understanding of their lived experiences.

Connecting research and classroom learning to real-world patient experiences better prepare the next generation of nurses to lead with compassionate care in the community.

The future is bright for the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance!

This investment will expand the opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our region, while strengthening our programs that prepare our Chanticleers to serve their communities with excellence.

We look forward to sharing more updates as this exciting project takes shape!

Congratulations to CCU Exercise & Sport Science students Haley Corso, Emily Hoelscher, Sydney Roberson, and Briana Curran on the publication of their research in Frontiers of Endocrinology.

The students co-authored "Effects of tirzepatide therapy on body weight and body composition in adults with overweight and obesity," alongside faculty mentor Dr. Kelly Johnson, an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology.

The study examined 35 adults with obesity who were taking tirzepatide while receiving personalized lifestyle guidance. Researchers found participants lost an average of 68 pounds and reduced their body weight and BMI by nearly 28%. Approximately 86% of the weight lost came from body fat. The findings also showed that women experienced greater reductions in body fat and lean tissue than men.

Explore the study here: https://bit.ly/4xj3tgl

Job well done to Dr. Johnson, Haley, Emily, and Sydney on this outstanding achievement!

We love seeing our Chants shine! Check out recreation and sport management alumna Gabie Redmon ⬇️

Asher Walters is spending his summer exploring how movement, rehabilitation, and compassionate patient care work together to improve individuals' health and well-being in Loris, South Carolina.

His internship at McLeod Health Loris’ Center for Health & Fitness is giving Walters a deeper understanding of how the concepts he studies as an exercise and sport science major are applied in a healthcare setting — through shadowing physical, occupational, and speech therapy teams.

“It’s a nice mix of using exercise to help people heal and hands-on patient care,” said Walters, who aspires to become a physician.

At his internship, Walters helps clean equipment, stock supplies, and shadow patients undergoing aquatic, speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

“One of the most memorable experiences was working with a patient recovering from a stroke,” he said. “What stood out to me was how adaptive their care was. Everything was tailored to the specific nature of their stroke and what they needed to regain. It also let me see how every specialty in the building works together, with physical, occupational, and speech therapy all coordinating to give that patient the best recovery possible.”

Walters says the most fulfilling part of his internship this summer is building relationships with patients during their rehabilitation journey.

If you missed your chance to register for our Women's Self-Defense Class in August, you're in luck!

Due to high demand, we've added a second class on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coastal Carolina University. This hands-on training led by CCU Department of Public Safety officers will equip you with self-defense techniques and skills using the R.A.D. Systems program.

The class is open to all CCU students, faculty, staff, and community members. Registration is $5 per person.

Space is limited! Sign up now: https://bit.ly/3SNcjnz

The Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance is deeply saddened to share the passing of Gary Moore, DrPH.

Moore joined Coastal Carolina University in January 2017 as a teaching associate of public health and was promoted to lecturer in 2022. Throughout his time at CCU, he inspired students through courses in personal and community health, philosophy and principles of public health, environmental health, and concepts of disease.

“His caring nature, positive energy, and love for teaching and knowing his students were profound,” Sherer Royce, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of public health, said.

Moore's passion for public health education will be remembered in his kindness, care for others, and the signature teal pens he proudly handed out that read, "I AM SOOOOO...SMART!!! DR. MOORE SAYS SO.”

His wife, Lucille, shared that teaching and interacting with students "kept him young."

“Gary truly enjoyed teaching public and environmental health sciences,” she added. “He always liked interacting with students. He was a positive force in their life. Gary had an engaging personality. It was easy to speak to him, both [as] a student or a colleague. He looked forward to his day, teaching his classes, and seeing the students and his colleagues.”

Before joining CCU, Moore helped advance public health education by developing online curricula and professional training programs for public health practitioners at the University of Massachusetts, Harvard, and Yale. He also authored two widely used books on online teaching and learning.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and former students.

Experiential learning and research are cornerstones of the B.S. in exercise and sport science degree program at Coastal Carolina University.

Earlier this month, several exercise and sport science students represented Teal Nation at the 2026 National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference in New Orleans, where they presented their CCU-based research to fellow peers and industry professionals from across the country.

Congratulations to Devin Mazariego, Sophia Damor, Teagan Van Stone, Nathan Marcle, Zander Held, and Michelle Baker on sharing research on topics including:

💪 The Effects of Accentuated Eccentric Loading on the Bench Press Throw with Various Set Structures

💪 The Effects of Cluster Versus Traditional Sets Bench Press on Subsequent Bench Press Throw

💪 Lower-Body Complex Training Using Cluster Sets and Accentuated Eccentric Loading for Countermovement Jump Performance

💪 Acute Effects of Volume-Load Matched Upper- and Lower-Body Resistance Exercise on Brachial Artery Endothelial Function

💪 Characterizing Muscle Oxygenation Responses Via NIRS: Implications for Heavy vs. Lighter Load Back Squat Sets to Failure

💪 Differential Effects of Barbell Bench Press Load on Acute Brachial Artery Endothelial Function

💪 Countermovement Jump Performance Using Different Accentuated Eccentric Loading Repetitions and Magnitudes

Dr. Sungwon Chae presented research on behalf of student Alyson Mascolo, and Dr. Chad Smith led a symposium session on computer programming in sports science at the 2026 event.

We're proud to give students opportunities to contribute to the field while developing the knowledge and skills needed for graduate study and careers in human performance, health, and sport.

Learn more about the degree program: https://bit.ly/44F5KGn

Catherine Austin, a CCU Public Health major, knows firsthand how preparation, education, and communication can make a difference in emergency situations.

Her father's career in emergency services and work in community preparedness inspired her to pursue an internship with Coastal Carolina University's Emergency Management Department this spring.

"Having conversations with community members about preparedness, and seeing how much this information mattered to them, really piqued my interest in education efforts," Austin explained. "I want to help ensure that people have the knowledge they need to make informed, safe decisions before and during emergencies.

During her time with CCU Emergency Management, Austin observed campus leaders preparing for winter weather and monitoring public health data on a measles outbreak in South Carolina. The experience allowed her to strengthen her preparedness and communication skills - and see firsthand how the two work together to protect entire communities.

🚨UPDATE: This event has sold out!

Knowledge is one of your best tools for personal safety!

Join the CORE Center for its next Women's Self-Defense Class on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coastal Carolina University.

This hands-on class, led by officers from CCU's Department of Public Safety, uses the nationally recognized R.A.D. Systems program to teach you awareness, prevention strategies, and self-defense techniques to use in everyday situations.

Registration is $5/person. Space is limited. Sign up now: https://bit.ly/3SNcjnz