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What's happening in Health and Human Services

Looking for the latest news from CHHS? Read on to see how Northern Arizona University is changing the face of healthcare—on campus and around the world.

NAU receives $1.76M grant to train future biomedical workforce

mtf228 | July 2, 2026

Northern Arizona University received its first T32 grant from the National Institutes of Health, which will allow the university to fund 20 doctoral students over a five-year period. … Read more

Masters in Public Health student and teacher.

NAU program trains speech pathologists while filling Phoenix workforce gaps | AZFamily

mtf228 | July 1, 2026

AZFamily recently highlighted Northern Arizona University’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, showcasing how it is helping address Arizona’s growing shortage of certified speech-language pathologists… Read more

A speech-language pathologist smiles while holding an anatomical model of the throat and vocal tract, pointing to its structures as they explain them to a patient during a consultation in a clinical office. The patient sits across the desk wearing a headset microphone, listening attentively.

NAU receives grant to add complex care unit to continuing education program for rural primary care providers | Arizona Daily Sun

mtf228 | June 30, 2026

The Arizona Daily Sun recently highlighted Northern Arizona University’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies after it received a three-year, $175,000 grant from the Vitalyst Health Foundation to expand its Project ECHO program. The funding will support the development of a new continuing education program focused on complex care, helping primary care providers—especially those in rural communities—build the knowledge and confidence to treat more complex conditions close to home… Read more

NAU's Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

New NAU programs using AI to improve future health outcomes

mtf228 | June 25, 2026

The College of Health and Human Services at Northern Arizona University is accepting applications for two programs that train healthcare workers in the use of AI tools in public and clinical health. … Read more

Four students and professionals sit side by side at a conference table, focused on a discussion or presentation. Two participants work on laptops, while one wears medical scrubs and another wears a white coat with a stethoscope, suggesting a healthcare-related learning or collaborative environment.

NAU Foundation and Univision Arizona select second Tu Futuro scholarship recipient | The Arizona Daily Sun

mtf228 | June 22, 2026

Itzel Perez Lillos has been named the recipient of the Tu Futuro full-ride scholarship and will begin her academic journey in Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services as a student in the Department of Dental Hygiene. She was recognized for her passion for breaking barriers, advocating for underserved communities and using her experiences to inspire others… Read more

Itzel Perez Lillos and her family with the Tu Futuro scholarship award.

NAU’s College of Health and Human Services honors its clinical partners with appreciation event

mtf228 | June 15, 2026

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) relies on its clinical partners to train the next generation of healthcare providers. To recognize their contributions, Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services hosted its first Clinical Partners Appreciation Event at the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC) Innovation Center near NAU’s Downtown Phoenix campus on May 14, 2026… Read more

Clinical Partners Appreciation Event at the Phoenix Bioscience Core Innovation Center.

The College of Health and Human Services celebrates a successful year for the UCAN program

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The UCAN program, or University Coaching for Activity and Nutrition, out of the Department of Health Sciences, provides NAU students, staff, and faulty with individual health coaching to assist in making lifestyle changes to accomplish health goals. Coaching services include providing guidance on healthy eating, body positivity, meal planning, and stress management… Read more

University Coaching for Activity and Nutrition program.

NAU Physician Assistant Studies students celebrate at white coat ceremony

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The NAU College of Health and Human Services’ Master of Physician Assistant Studies class of 2027 celebrated their white coat ceremony this May at the Phoenix Bioscience Core campus. The white coat ceremony marks a symbolic milestone as students transition into the clinical training phase of their education. … Read more

College of Health and Human Services’ Master of Physician Assistant Studies class of 2027 white coat ceremony.

Fighting fire with a strong foundation | The NAU Review

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Last year, Megan Mulready injured her back and had to call 911. … Read more

Flagstaff Fire Department’s Firefighter Recruit Academy.

NAU’s College of Health and Human Services students present at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research

mtf228 | June 1, 2026

The National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR), is one of the largest research conventions of its kind, bringing in more than 4,000 undergraduate researchers worldwide. This year, Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services proudly sent almost 30 public health students and alumni to Richmond, Virginia to present their work at the convention… Read more