Regents approve the name ‘Iowa State University College of Health and Human Sciences’ 

New name more accurately describes college’s programs

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Board of Regents today approved Iowa State University’s request to rename its College of Health and Human Sciences as the College of Health and Human Sciences. 

The new name more accurately reflects the college’s range of academic programs, and the careers pursued by its graduates. The college has long offered programs related to disease prevention, nutrition, human movement, emotional health, financial health and education, among others. 

“The addition of health elevates the excellence happening in teaching, research and outreach that is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people, families and communities,” said Dean and Dean’s Chair, Laura Dunn Jolly. “Increasingly, students are interested in fields related to health and wellness and are looking to the college to help prepare them for careers that make a difference in people’s lives.” 

Student and faculty research in the college spans early childhood through later life and emphasizes a holistic approach to health and wellness. Sponsored funding comes from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Administration for Children and Families, and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.   

“As society’s needs have changed and the definition of living a healthy life has evolved over time, this change reflects who the college is today and will create exciting opportunities for the future,” Jolly said. 

Name change reflects national shift 

Elevating the strong connection between health and human sciences disciplines through a name change is also happening across the nation. In 2022, the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU), of which Iowa State is a member, changed the name of its Board on Human Sciences to the Board on Health and Human Sciences. 

“Iowa State’s College of Health and Human Sciences is joining a growing community of leading colleges that have recognized the opportunities and impact of collaboration at the intersection of health and human sciences disciplines,” said Erik Porfeli, chair of the APLU Board on Health and Human Sciences.  

The college engaged in several years of discussions with faculty, staff, students, stakeholders and its advisory council about adding health to the college’s name before proceeding with the recommendation. 

Nancy Dyslin, chair of the College of Health and Human Sciences Advisory Council, spent her career in the healthcare industry, as both a nurse and as an executive leader with 3M Health Care. 

“Good health, with a solid health-concept understanding, helps people be their most productive and fuels creativity to meet life’s challenges and opportunities,” said Dyslin. “The name change preserves the strengths of the college while opening doors for future possibilities in teaching and research.” 

The name, College of Health and Human Sciences, is effective immediately. 

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