Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Recognizes New Name

Utah State University is recognizing a new official name for what is now the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (CEHHS).

“The college name now elevates long-time efforts to advance health and highlights the critical role of scientific evidence in driving education and health practice,” said Endowed Dean Al Smith.

The new name took effect July 1. The revised name and organizational structure better align with the focus and framework of leading national organizations, including the Board on Health and Human Sciences within the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, while reflecting broader organizational trends among peer research-intensive (R1) institutions.

In addition to the name change, the college is expanding academic programming for students that aligns with critical workforce needs. A few of the new degrees and certificates that will be available in the next year include Associate of Science in General Health Professions, Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience, and undergraduate certificates in Dementia Care and Substance Use and Addiction Counseling, both of which will provide pathways to licensure. Additionally, the college is adding 30 new spots at the Logan Campus in its popular Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

“These additions will complement our existing health programming in areas such as speech and hearing sciences, kinesiology, public health and psychology,” Smith said. “Not to be overlooked is our college’s long history of success improving the lives of individuals and communities via programming in elementary and secondary education, special education, human development and family studies, instructional technology and learning sciences, and school leadership.”

Smith added: “Beyond our name and these new curricular offerings, there are other changes that you can expect to see in the college: expanded investment in student success, increased experiential learning opportunities, and broadened student research and co-curricular activities.”

Next year, CEHHS will celebrate its 100-year anniversary as a college of education. The college’s namesake, Emma Eccles Jones, is credited with being the first kindergarten teacher in Northern Utah. The college’s commitment to education and enabling individuals, families and communities to thrive runs deep through a vibrant history and long-standing partnership with the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation.

For the past 26 consecutive years, the college’s graduate programs in education have been ranked No. 1 in Utah and among the top public institutions in the country.

“It is no surprise that our college produces the top educators in the state,” Smith said. “Our faculty excel in evidence-based instruction, allowing our students to teach effectively in K-12 classrooms and meaningfully contribute to their workplace and communities.”

Also housed within the college are research and community-facing centers that advance knowledge and offer critical services throughout the state. These centers help CEHHS meet the needs of communities throughout Utah and offer students transformational opportunities to learn and make an impact.

Among these centers are:

• The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center.
• Autism Support Services.
• The Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice.
• The Center for the School of the Future.
• The Edith Bowen Laboratory School.
• Sound Beginnings.
• The Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence.

A recent initiative, the Collaboratory for Innovation in Teaching and Leadership, has been developed in partnership with the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation to address early-career teacher attrition in Utah and to support professional development needs of K-12 educators and school districts.

With the new developments in the college, its impact is expected to grow and meet the emerging and future needs of students and Utah communities.