As the State University of New York at Fredonia approaches its bicentennial, it is expanding one of its cornerstones by reorganizing and renaming the "College of Education" to the "College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services."
With this evolution, programs that lead to state licensure reside in one area of the university. Faculty in the newly named college understand the accreditation requirements for professional licenses, which allows them to prepare and support students effectively as they move into their chosen field of service.
"We are incredibly excited to announce this expansion of the College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services," said Executive Vice President and Provost David Starrett. "This progression will allow SUNY Fredonia to offer new health and human services programs and majors while strengthening the university's long tradition as one of the premier teaching institutions in the region."
The change allows collaboration around common areas, such as child language development, which connects the Education and Communication Disorders and Sciences programs. Another example is the recognized need for trauma-informed instruction in collaboration with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. With the rise in mental health concerns in children and teens, it is essential that future educators understand these needs and that children in New York State and their families have access to well-trained professionals to help them navigate the challenges.
"This reorganization supports the development of additional programs that are in high demand and match Fredonia's commitment to educating professionals to meet the needs of our region and state." - Interim Dean Janeil Rey
"The expansion of the College of Education to incorporate other departments in disciplines whose majors prepare for professional licensure is a positive and necessary development," said Interim Dean of the College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services Janeil Rey. "This reorganization supports the development of additional programs that are in high demand and match Fredonia's commitment to educating professionals to meet the needs of our region and state."
As part of the expansion of the newly-named College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services, Fredonia has proposed a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an RN to a bachelor's degree in nursing, and is in discussion to offer additional professional licensure and certification programs.
The reorganization will also broaden program impact by leveraging shared resources and providing opportunities for collaboration between faculty and students across disciplines that mirror the experiences they will confront in their careers. "Students are drawn to each of the programs that comprise the college by a desire to help others," said Dr. Rey. "When they come to Fredonia, they gain the knowledge and skills to be effective in their field using evidence-based practices and high-impact strategies to meet students and clients where they are."
