More Life in the College of Health
Welcome to another exciting edition of the University of Utah College of Health annual magazine! As Dean, I am thrilled to share with you the incredible journey we've embarked on this year. The value of a college degree is more than just a piece of paper; it's a passport to a world of opportunities, and here at the College of Health, we are committed to making that journey as enriching and impactful as possible.
This year, we proudly launched our 'More Life' campaign, a vibrant initiative that embodies our mission to redefine the human healthspan by adding more years to people's lives but, more importantly, more life to those years. Imagine a future where our graduates are leading the charge in transforming healthcare, making groundbreaking discoveries, and enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals. Our students are not just learning; they are preparing to impact the lives of their fellow humans, by ensuring that every year is filled with more life, more laughter, and more love.
Our college is growing by leaps and bounds! We've seen a fantastic 11% increase in total enrollment, with new freshmen enrollees soaring by nearly 37%. We've introduced three dynamic new undergraduate majors: Kinesiology, Emergency Medical Sciences, and Community Health and Education, which are already attracting a wave of enthusiastic applicants. Our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and increasing student employability is evident in the success of our programs.
On the research front, we are breaking new ground with the completion of the HPER East Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to biomechanics, rehabilitation, and kinesiology. This year alone, we've requested over $125 million in funding and received more than $17 million in awards. These achievements highlight our relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation, driving us to new heights in health sciences.
Community engagement is at the heart of what we do. Over the past year, we've made 64,000 contacts through community programs and provided over $135,000 in uncompensated care. Our faculty and students are deeply involved in partnerships that promote health, prevent disease, and manage conditions across diverse populations. These efforts not only enhance the well-being of our community but also provide invaluable learning experiences for our students.
Looking ahead, we are brimming with excitement for the future. Our goals include continued growth in research, launching comprehensive marketing campaigns to attract prospective students, and refining our administrative processes to ensure equitable resource distribution across our departments. Together, we will continue to inspire, innovate, and serve, making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our society.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here's to more life, more health, and more happiness!
Warm regards,
Kelly Tappenden, PhD, RD, FASPEN
Dean of the College of Health
University of Utah