UNCW College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)

Louise Coggins joined the College of Health and Human Services Advisory Council in its earliest days, when Founding Dean Charlie Hardy invited her to help build what was then an Advancement Council. She was asked to help identify community leaders who could champion the newly formed college, and she ultimately became its chair, a role she held for 16 years until recently passing the leadership to Umar Bowers, MD. Click here to read more about Louise Coggins’ story: https://www.uncw.edu/news/academic-affairs/chhs/2026/08/louise-coggins-16-years-of-service

Make an impact as a MentorCHHS mentor! This interprofessional mentorship program connects health and human services professionals with students preparing to launch their careers. Share your experience, offer valuable guidance, and help students build confidence as they transition from the classroom to the professional world. Click the link to learn more and/or to apply. Link: https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/chhs/community-engagement/workforce-development/mentorship

The New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership, industry employers, and students are hosting a public forum on Tuesday, September 22 at 5:30 p.m. in UNC Wilmington's Lumina Theater. The forum will highlight the progress and early results of this innovative initiative to strengthen the local nursing workforce and expand healthcare career pathways in our community.

For more details and to RSVP visit

New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership to Host Public Forum The New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership (NHHCP), industry employers, and students are hosting a public forum on Tuesday, September 22 at 5:30 p.m. in UNC Wilmington's Lumina Theater.

Get career-ready with support from a mentor! MentorCHHS connects you with experienced professionals who can share valuable insights, help you prepare for the workforce, and build your professional network. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections, the program strengthens relationships between UNCW students and local professionals. Click the link to learn more and/or to apply. Link: https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/chhs/community-engagement/workforce-development/mentorship

We are saddened to share that our colleague and friend, Rebecca Clark ‘20M passed away on August 6.

Rebecca worked with the Healthful Living and Fitness Education faculty in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences and the Physical Education and Health Specialization graduate students in conjunction with Watson College of Education. She was a passionate educator whose time, talents, and treasure impacted everyone she encountered. Her warm smile and big hugs will be missed. Additional details about Rebecca’s life and ways to honor her memory are available via her online obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wilmington-nc/rebecca-clark-12994107

Please keep Rebecca’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts. Grief support is available to students through the University Counseling Center(910.962.3746). For faculty and staff, support is available through the Employee Assistance Program and Headspace Care(an app offered in partnership with the UNC System that provides confidential, on-demand emotional and mental health support).

Build career-ready skills with guidance from a mentor! MentorCHHS connects you with experienced professionals to help you prepare for the workforce while fostering meaningful relationships between UNCW and local professionals through engaging, hands-on opportunities. Click the link to learn more and/or to apply. Link: https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/chhs/community-engagement/workforce-development/mentorship

On Saturday, August 1, the School of Nursing celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. The inaugural class of 11 graduates completed an intensive 14-month pathway designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and are ready to answer the call to nursing.

As North Carolina faces a projected shortage of nearly 17,500 registered nurses by 2033, UNCW's ABSN program is helping build a stronger healthcare workforce by preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurses to serve our communities faster. The program is already growing, with the next cohort more than doubling in size.

Read more in this WWAY article: https://www.wwaytv3.com/uncws-first-accelerated-nursing-class-graduates-amid-growing-healthcare-needs/

Make a difference as a MentorCHHS mentor! This interprofessional mentorship program connects health and human services professionals with students preparing to enter the field. Share your expertise, support the next generation, and help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Click the link to learn more and/or to apply. Link: https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/chhs/community-engagement/workforce-development/mentorship

Ready to strengthen your Spanish while exploring healthcare, culture, and daily life in one of the world's most beautiful destinations?

Study abroad in Costa Rica December 12-20 with your nursing and clinical research peers and faculty! You'll build your Medical Spanish skills, visit a local hospital to learn about Costa Rica's healthcare system, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Take dancing and cooking classes, enjoy a Café Britt coffee tour and chocolate tour, explore Poás Volcano National Park — all while living with a host family.

Contact Diane Parker ([email protected]) or Annemarie Petroff ([email protected]) or click the link to learn more and apply by July 1. Link: https://educationabroad.uncw.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=12737