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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.

Humans of NAU: Chadleo Webb

erj92 | October 28, 2026

Dental hygienists are overwhelmingly women, but that doesn’t mean men can’t thrive in the profession. NAU’s new chair of dental hygiene, Chadleo Webb, is a prime example: Inspired by the tireless, loving care his father gave his mother after a stroke, Webb pursued a career on the frontlines of healthcare, employing the empathy he’d learned at home… Read more

Chadleo Webb squatting on the ground next to a medium sized tan colored dog.

NAU gets $6M to train more healthcare workers for rural Arizona

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More than $6.35 million in federal funding will help Northern Arizona University students pursue careers in healthcare while building the workforce needed in the state’s rural, Tribal and medically vulnerable communities. The two five-year awards from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will provide more than $1.27 million in scholarships each year, expanding access to health education and preparing graduates to serve communities with the greatest health care needs… Read more

In a hospital hallway, several people in medical attire are standing and conversing. Some are holding clipboards or documents. The setting appears to be a professional healthcare environment.

Showcasing impact: Arizona regents visit NAU’s Flagstaff mountain campus

erj92 | October 19, 2026

Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services welcomed Arizona Board of Regents members Gregg Brewster, James McCain and Steve Peru to the Flagstaff mountain campus on September 30 for a firsthand look at how students are preparing to serve Arizona’s communities. Joined by Provost Karen Pugliesi, Vice Provost Laurie Dickson and Dean Janelle Chiasera, the regents explored clinical and classroom spaces where students connect their education to practice… Read more

Twelve adults standing in a line in front of a red brick building. Several individuals are wearing name badges. They are dressed in professional and casual business attire. The setting includes a concrete walkway and landscaping vegetation along the brick wall.

CHHS Student Spotlight Q+A: Laila Ribeiro Marschall

erj92 | October 14, 2026

Throughout the 2026-2027 academic year, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) will spotlight students to highlight the diverse academic paths and profile student motivations and interests. Through this series, CHHS aims to showcase the passion and dedication that inspire students to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The college’s next spotlight series is on Laila Ribeiro Marschall, a member of the Class of 2027… Read more

Laila Ribeiro Marschall posing for a photo out in the Flagstaff woods.

CHHS Student Spotlight Q+A: Daimee Martinez

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Throughout the 2026-2027 academic year, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) will spotlight students to highlight the diverse academic paths and profile student motivations and interests. Through this series, CHHS aims to showcase the passion and dedication that inspire students to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The college’s next spotlight series is on Daimee Martinez, a member of the Class of 2027… Read more

Daimee posing in front of pink streamers in a doorway.

CHHS Student Spotlight Q+A: Rachel Bournias

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Throughout the 2026-2027 academic year, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) will spotlight students to highlight the diverse academic paths and profile student motivations and interests. Through this series, CHHS aims to showcase the passion and dedication that inspire students to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The college’s next spotlight series is on Rachel Bournias, a member of the Class of 2027… Read more

Rachel Bournias posing in her graduation regalia.

CHHS Alumni Spotlight Q+A: Bridger Hershey

erj92 | October 7, 2026

Throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) will spotlight alumni who represent the wide range of academic and professional journeys pursued by its graduates. The alumni spotlight series will highlight their experiences, motivations, accomplishments, and interests, while showcasing how their NAU education continues to influence their careers and contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities… Read more

CHHS Student Spotlight Q + A: Nathalia Granados

erj92 | October 5, 2026

Throughout the 2026-2027 academic year, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) will spotlight students to highlight the diverse academic paths and profile student motivations and interests. Through this series, CHHS aims to showcase the passion and dedication that inspire students to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The college’s next spotlight series is on Nathalia Granados, a member of the Class of 2026… Read more

CHHS Alumni Spotlight Q+A: Skyler Benally-Bordeaux

erj92 | September 30, 2026

Skyler Benally-Bordeaux and staff/faculty pose for a picture with NAU President Rivera.

Northern Arizona University receives NIH grant to support Ph.D. students in health fields

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Northern Arizona University has been awarded a $1.76 million T32 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support Ph.D. students in health-related fields of study. This grant supports doctoral students pursuing research in fields with specified workforce shortages. Over the next five years, NAU will use the funding to support 20 students through their doctoral programs… Read more