President’s Message

This is an era during which our university, and the world at large, has profoundly changed the ways we connect and interact. UWS has persevered in our commitment to teach and to heal. We have emerged with new insights about our strengths, our ability to respond nimbly and effectively, and our commitment to serve students and patients. As our journey continues, we apply this newfound wisdom toward building a better future for everyone. Although these circumstances were beyond what we planned for, we quickly moved from reactive measures to proactive strategies. Our persistent focus on innovation, creativity and continuous improvement has guided our institutional development and advancement. UWS will launch the new doctor of clinical nutrition (DCN) degree program in fall term 2021. The program is based on a functional medicine architecture, enabling students to integrate the best available scientific evidence with a comprehensive, whole-person care approach. Doctors of clinical nutrition develop targeted, individualized patient management plans designed to reduce the incidence of chronic illness, and to promote optimal structural, mental and physiological performance. The DCN program is supported by key clinical concepts developed in collaboration with our longstanding academic partner, the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). For more than a decade, UWS and IFM have collaborated to create educational opportunities that integrate IFM’s novel patient assessment, diagnostic and management systems into our innovative educational degree programs. The doctor of clinical nutrition degree builds on the well-

established UWS Master of Science degree program in human nutrition and functional medicine (HNFM) in supporting and advancing the emerging field of integrated health care. The UWS clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program is pursuing accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), widely considered the gold standard for graduate mental health counseling programs. Joseph Brimhall, DC As we expand our influence in health care professions, UWS President and CEO we welcome aboard distinguished professionals to usher new ideas and fresh perspectives. Our expansion includes new colleagues in the clinical mental health counseling program, the sport and performance psychology program, the center for teaching and learning, and the university administration. Investment in diverse talent fosters a critical expansion of new perspectives that refine and energize our shared dedication to the UWS core values. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is infused in every aspect of the university. Our defined university mission — to advance the science and art of integrated health care —honors the contributions of all people. UWS embraces the full spectrum of human experiences, backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives. We value the unique voice of each community member. We nurture opportunities for innovation, creativity and invention. Curiosity stimulates new discoveries and inspires creative breakthroughs — all for the good of the patient. Sincerely, Joseph Brimhall, DC President and CEO