UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Promotion program (HWP) offers flexibility and support for students interested in the health sciences, public health, or other health-related topics.
Why Study Health and Wellness at UNC Asheville?
Student Spotlight
Estefany Flores worked with NCCHW on her senior capstone project. She led the “Walk with Ease” Arthritis program for the first time in Spanish, helping local Hispanic community members reduce their arthritis pain.
Creative Writing major and Environmental Studies minor Eliana Franklin helped create the Practicing Resiliency—Creativity as a pathway to wellness website with her classmates. The site features stories such as the experience of service industry workers in Asheville during the pandemic, art collected from community submissions, and guidance on growing your own food for physical and mental wellness.
“As an undergraduate in the HWP Program at UNCA, I was passionate about research and community. With the help of Dr. Amy Lanou I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be a research assistant on multiple projects. I learned early on what it meant to take HWP theories and turn them into practice. Having this formative academic experience formed the backbone of what I saw myself pursuing long term…In my work with MAHEC I have been able to help design research programs and program evaluations that aim to help serve the current and future needs of the community.”
Kol Gold-Leighton, Class of ’17, Program manager for MAHEC
“The Health and Wellness Department at UNC Asheville was my home. There were always opportunities to be involved in meaningful work and to build my skills. I distinctly remember that the environment gave me energy and pushed me to do my best.”
Jeff Jones, Class of ’20, Co-creator and Project Manager at the NCCHW Social Bridging Project
“I think it is really important to get an understanding of all the types of jobs you may qualify for and where you would be productive but also be able to set healthy boundaries and know that work is not your life after graduating, it’s just one piece.”
Courtney Coules, Class of ’20, Monitoring & Evaluation Associate at MAHEC
“Put your energy into finding your “why” and connecting with folks who are just as passionate as you are. Find mentors! Be weird, talk about your interests and you will be amazed at the doors that open for you. Follow what feels good and interesting.”
Caleb Kelleher, Class of ’19, Employee Wellness Coordinator at Chesterfield County Government and Public Schools in Chesterfield, VA.
“I can attribute most of the professional decisions I’ve made to my experience as a student in the Department of Health and Wellness Promotion.”
Audrey Thomas, Class of ’20, graduate student working on a Master of Science in Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Outside the Classroom
Your study in health and wellness goes beyond the traditional classroom experience. You can learn hands-on by pursuing internships and employment, research projects, leadership experiences, and community-engaged learning opportunities at UNC Asheville.
Several courses within the BS in Health and Wellness program have service-learning components, giving students the ability to participate in their community and make a positive impact. What’s more, students who complete six or more credit hours in service-learning courses are eligible to graduate with the Community Engaged Scholar honor.
There are also two optional internship courses for students pursuing the health and wellness degree. During these courses, students may read academic scholarship or articles related to their work, attend seminars, complete projects and reports, and demonstrate their leadership skills.
Other enriching learning opportunities that our students pursue include the capstone course, completion of additional research projects, or preparation to sit for a certification exam.
UNC Asheville Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree
Offered jointly through UNC Asheville and the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, students interested in graduate education find our MPH program an ideal place to advance their skills. Students can complete their MPH degree in as few as four semesters, and courses include on-site classes one day per week and asynchronous online lectures. Learn more about this exciting opportunity to grow in your profession after earning your bachelor’s in health and wellness!
Meet the Faculty
Our health and wellness promotion faculty are as passionate about creating healthier communities as they are about helping students find their calling. The HWP brings together a wealth of knowledge and backgrounds in subjects ranging from exercise science to mental/emotional health to nutrition and health policy.
Aubri Rote, Ph.D.
Chair & Associate Professor of Health & Wellness
| Office: 459 Sherrill Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6044 |
| Email: arote@unca.edu |
Katie Cox
Administrative Assistant
| Office: 460 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 251-6513 |
| Email: kcox1@unca.edu |
Ameena Batada, Dr.P.H.
Professor of Health & Wellness
| Office: 465 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 232-5164 |
| Email: abatada@unca.edu |
Sarah Donnelly, Ph.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor in Health & Wellness
| Office: 462 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 250-3846 |
| Email: sdonnel2@unca.edu |
Laura Jones, Ph.D., M.S.
Associate Professor of Health & Wellness and Athletics Mental Health Coordinator
| Office: 457 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 251-6123 |
| Email: ljones3@unca.edu |
Fabrice Julien, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.A.
Assistant Professor of Health and Wellness
| Office: 463 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 250-2396 |
| Email: fjulien@unca.edu |
Jason Wingert, Ph.D., P.T.
Professor of Health & Wellness
| Office: 461 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 250-2341 |
| Email: jwingert@unca.edu |
Tracy George
Lecturer in Psychology, Health & Wellness, and Public Health
| Office: Sherrill Center 466 |
| tgeorge2@unca.edu |
Health and Wellness Careers & Outcomes
Students interested in the health sciences may pursue careers in areas such as physical therapy, nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, neuroscience, counseling, holistic health, nutrition, and exercise science. As many of these career areas require additional education, UNC Asheville also has a Pre-Health Professions program for graduate school preparation. Students interested in general health and wellness promotion pursue careers in community health, health education, fitness and nutrition promotion, and holistic health modalities in a variety of settings such as nonprofit organizations, gyms/fitness facilities, educational settings, and government agencies.
Students interested in public health seek careers in areas including health promotion and program coordination in and with community-based organizations, public health departments, schools, care facilities, hospitals, businesses, and other entities. Graduates also may advocate for systemic policy changes that support the health and well-being of populations, working with advocacy and other organizations. Public health graduates also pursue graduate studies in fields such as community health, health behavior and society, epidemiology, health policy and management, mental health counseling, social work, and other fields.
Related Programs
Join UNC Asheville’s Adaptable, Interdisciplinary Health and Wellness Major
With three concentrations, integrated and interdisciplinary coursework, and faculty members who support you as you discover and hone your strengths, the Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Promotion degree prepares you for a meaningful career or graduate studies in healthcare and health-related fields.
Join a community ready to help you reach your full potential as a student, scholar, and health and wellness professional.
Contact Us
| Department of Health and Wellness |
| Phone: 828.251.6513 |
| Email: kcox1@unca.edu |
