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APRIL 2026
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
April has been a powerful reflection of our momentum in action.
Recently, our community came together for the Health Professions Summit and Day of Giving, moments that highlighted the generosity, collaboration, and purpose that define the College of Health.
That momentum continues. We are building something truly impactful—from expanding academic and clinical partnerships to creating new ones. Our focus remains clear: preparing the next generation of ethical leaders, innovative thinkers, and compassionate healers.
While these milestone events have passed, there are still meaningful ways to support our students. Gifts to College of Health–specific initiatives continue to fund critical needs such as test preparation, experiential learning, global immersions, and hands-on tools that enhance learning and remove barriers to success.
Thank you for the many ways you support our students and advance the mission of the College of Health.
Melissa Cole, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC
Dean, College of Health
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Department Updates
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News and accomplishments from across the College of Health.
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Beta Chi Chapter Spring 2026 Induction & Webinar Series
Beta Chi Chapter Spring 2026 Induction Ceremony — On March 20th, counseling faculty, students, and guests gathered in LSC37 for an evening filled with celebration, tradition, and connection. With 130 attendees, the room was filled with energy as we came together to honor the past, present, and future of our Counseling Program.
A Tribute to Our Roots — We were deeply honored to welcome Dr. Christopher Faiver, Professor Emeritus from JCU, as our guest of honor. Dr. Faiver's impact on our community is immeasurable; he was not only instrumental in founding the Counseling Program but also brought the CSI-Beta Chi chapter to life back in 1990. Having him share in the festivities added a profound sense of legacy to the night.
Honoring Excellence — The event also celebrated the induction of 33 new members into Chi Sigma Iota, reflecting ongoing growth and excellence. Four $425 scholarships were awarded through our annual essay contest, two to incoming inductees and two to current members demonstrating outstanding achievement.
Congratulations to all inductees and scholarship winners! Your dedication, passion, and commitment reflect the values of our program. They embody the momentum that matters in your ongoing education, partnerships, and purposeful contributions. We look forward to the meaningful impact you will continue to make in the counseling field and beyond.
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Counseling Department Webinar Series
The Department of Counseling is excited to continue our Monthly Webinar Series, where faculty members share insights on current topics in counseling practice. These sessions are open to students, faculty, and professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Next Webinar: April 24, 2026, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Presenter: Dr. Michael A. Miller
Topic: Values Exploration: A Power Tool for Living in Uncertain Times
Being human is hard, especially in uncertain times. This workshop offers tools to identify core values and guide meaningful action for yourself and your clients. Using acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and existential approaches, participants will learn practical strategies for navigating challenging situations.
To register, click here.
Note: registration fee: $20 for professionals, $5 for students.
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Summer Cohort, Peer Mentorship & Continuing Education
JCU EMS is growing this spring! Recruitment for the Summer Hybrid EMT-B course, taught by University Hospitals EMS Training & Disaster Preparedness Institute, has closed, and a new cohort of students will begin training after the spring semester.
These students reflect John Carroll’s commitment to hands-on healthcare and campus service. Current EMS responders will support them through teaching assistantships and a new peer-mentorship program, helping them gain confidence as they work toward certification.
JCU EMS also continues bi-weekly continuing education sessions, open to the student body, covering pharmacology, patient assessment, trauma skills, and interactive lectures. As the semester ends, responders are increasingly confident in their clinical skills and abilities to serve the John Carroll community as healthcare providers, demonstrating momentum that matters through their ongoing education and purposeful service.
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Faculty Recognition & Nursing Club Cultural Competency
Jesuit Network of Nursing Programs Award — Congratulations to Shanna Botos '00, DNP, RN, CPNP-AC/PC, Assistant Professor of Nursing, who is one of this year's recipients of the Jesuit Network of Nursing Programs Exemplary Nursing Faculty Award. This award honors an exceptional commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care — qualities that define and inspire our shared mission.
Nursing Club: Education, Partnership, and Purpose in Action — The John Carroll Nursing Club collaborated with the Sabo Center for Languages and Cultures to address language barriers in patient care. Nurses must advocate for their patients to ensure their needs are understood and met, and this session gave students tools to do just that. Nursing students learned key Spanish terms and phrases and practiced interpreting medical scenarios with Spanish-speaking patients, paired with Spanish majors/minors for guidance.
By the end of the session, students felt more confident navigating language barriers and creating a welcoming environment for all patients, demonstrating momentum that matters through their ongoing collaboration, education, and purposeful care. All skills are essential to effective, compassionate nursing.
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Mentorship Program: Mentor Interest
Your experience is one of the most valuable resources in our professional community. As we prepare for our next mentorship cycle, we are looking for established professionals to serve as mentors and help guide the development of our emerging talent.
We invite you to learn more about the goals of the program and what being a mentor entails.
Whether you have mentored before or are considering it for the first time, we would value your perspective and participation.
Request Information
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Continue the Day of Giving Momentum
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Thank you for your incredible support of the College of Health during our Day of Giving. You can still make a difference by supporting the area of your choice and helping our students move forward with purpose!
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JCU EMS
Inspire students with a donation to JCU EMS. Your support provides EMT training scholarships, enables participation in annual conferences, and funds vital community initiatives.
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Counseling
The Counseling Learning Lab at John Carroll University is an innovative training space designed to prepare the next generation of professional counselors. As the need for mental health services continues to grow across our communities, counseling students must receive hands-on training in an environment that mirrors real clinical practice.
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Exercise Science
Please consider supporting funding for student research and travel to professional conferences, where students can present their work on regional and national stages.
Exercising Change & Development
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Honduras
Each spring, students and faculty travel to Honduras for an immersive experience focused on health and social justice.
Public Health Majors - Immersion Scholarship
At John Carroll University, immersion experiences challenge students to live out their values through service, solidarity, and global engagement. We invite you to support the Honduras Immersion Trip Medication Fund—an essential resource that helps students prepare for this life-changing experience.
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Nursing
At John Carroll, our nursing students are preparing to become more than clinicians; they are becoming compassionate healers, ethical leaders, and advocates for the communities they will serve. Your support on the Day of Giving helps us elevate the experiences that shape who they become as nurses.
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Pre-Health Professions
Your gift will inspire the future of our pre-health students. Support access to vital resources, including JCU test prep courses (MCAT, DCAT), examination fees, and pre-requisite courses not covered by financial aid. Thank you for helping shape tomorrow's healthcare leaders.
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Together, we can drive innovation, education, and excellence in healthcare.
DONATE TODAY |
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Celebrating Our Second
JCU Health Professions Summit
Building Healthier Communities Through Public Health
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This year's program brought together JCU health alumni for a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Erin E. Johnson, MPH, Ph.D., Director of the Public Health major and Professor of Biology. The event also featured an engaging keynote, interactive small-group sessions, and a reception recognizing the inaugural College of Health faculty and student award recipients.
Now in its second year, the events throughout the day energized our community, sparked meaningful conversations around today’s most important health topics, and highlighted the impactful work happening on campus and beyond.
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Keynote Speaker
Celina Cunanan
MSN, APRN-CNM
Chief Health Impact Officer, University Hospitals
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Alumni Panel — Moderated by Erin E. Johnson, MPH, Ph.D.
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Mark Adams, REHS, MPH
Health Commissioner, Lorain County Public Health
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Megan Boyk, MD, MPA ’15
Family Medicine Physician, MyMichigan Health
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Mark A. Kadzielski, JD ’68
Fellow & Past Board Member, American Health Law Association
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Kate Tullio, MPH, MS ’09
AVP of Health & Social Partnerships, CareSource
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Questions About The Event?
Contact Tara Jenner-Donaldson, DMH, Director, Pre-Health Professions Program — (216) 397-1575
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Mentor the Next Generation of Health Professionals
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Do you work in healthcare or a healthcare-related field and are interested in mentoring current JCU College of Health Students? Please complete the survey form below to express your interest in providing networking, shadowing, or research opportunities for our students!
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| SUBMIT INTEREST FORM |
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Dr. Jake Beiting '06
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As the former head strength and conditioning coach of the Houston Astros, Dr. Beiting is currently working with Major League Baseball to measure anthropometric data of all major league hitters. This data will be used to create personalized strike zones for each player that will be used with the automated balls and strikes system. The "Robot Umpires" (or "Robo-umps") system will be used for this year's spring training major league games.
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Nick Falbo (Exercise Science, '22)
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Nick is entering his second year as a strength coach in the Miami Marlins minor league system. Nick is specifically providing the strength and conditioning services to all minor league players performing long term rehab at the team's facility in Jupiter, FL.
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Student Health & Wellness Services
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The Student Health Center (SHC) provides health care during posted hours five days a week while the University is in session. SHC is staffed by local physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses.
They can be reached at (216) 397-4349.
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10:00 AM
3:00 PM
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Tuesday, April 21
Nutrition Clinic
Shannon Stovsky, RD, LD — Registered Nutritionist and Licensed Dietitian — will be on campus to meet with students seeking help with weight management, athletic sports diet, and any eating or dietary concerns. Individual appointments for personalized nutritional consultations can be made by calling the Student Health Center staff at 216.397.4349. There is no fee to see the nutritionist for undergraduates.
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11:00 AM
2:00 PM
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Wednesday, April 22
Health Screenings
The Student Health Center will offer confidential, free health screenings to support student wellness and preventive care. Services are provided on campus, and privacy is respected. For an appointment, please click this link to schedule your time.
Schedule a time
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9:00 AM
11:30 AM
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Wednesday, April 23
Women's Wellness Clinic
Available to support students’ routine and preventive health needs. A licensed health practitioner will be on site to provide general women’s health services and wellness screenings from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. This clinic is confidential and offered at no or low cost to students.
Call (216) 397-4349 with questions or to make an appointment.
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Ongoing
Every Wednesday · 7:00–9:00 PM
Recurring during the semester while classes are in session
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Free Chair Massage on Campus
To help reduce student stress, free chair massages are provided to students in the DJ Lombardo atrium during the times above.
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Dr. Melissa Cole continues to offer open office hours, available to book online. Students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community partners are welcome to schedule time to connect, ask questions, share ideas, explore collaboration opportunities, or simply have a conversation.
Book Office Hours
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We Want to Hear from You!
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Help us make the College of Health newsletter a valuable resource by sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and stories. Let us know what topics interest you, how we can improve, or if you have an inspiring healthcare or education story to share.
Please send your input to coh@jcu.edu - we greatly appreciate your contributions!
For those who are graduating, please send us your preferred email address to the address above to continue staying up to date on the latest College of Health news and updates!
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