University of Utah College of Health

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University of Utah College of Health

University of Utah College of Health The College of Health is among the largest colleges and schools at the University of Utah with six departments.

Degree options include 18 BA/BS degree emphases, 16 master’s degree programs, 3 clinical doctorates, and 5 PhD programs. This combination of graduate degrees, professional programs, and undergraduate majors uniquely positions the College to contribute to the clinical and research missions of Health Sciences and high impact educational practices on the main campus.

11/18/2025

Drumming + laughter + good company = the best kind of therapy. 🥁✨
Yesterday in the Drum Bus, our recreational therapy students got to play, create, and just be kids. And that kind of playful drumming actually has therapeutic benefits — studies have found that group drumming:
• reduces depression (up to ~38%) and anxiety (20%)
• boosts social resilience and mental well-being
• helps people connect without words — participants in qualitative research said drumming gave them a safe space, a sense of belonging, and freedom from fear of making mistakes.
• leads to real immune changes in the body, too.
It’s healing. It’s fun. It’s community.

11/14/2025

Balancing Division I football with graduate research is no small feat — but Jaren Kump, a second-year masters student in health and kinesiology, makes it look easy.

A proud alum of health and kinesiology, Kump is a captain and the starting center for the University of Utah football team. This season he was named a semi-finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and earned a spot on the Rimington Trophy Watch List.

Kump is also completing a thesis focused on the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sport. He is currently recruiting athletes in their final year of eligibility up to five years post-sport to better understand why former athletes experience higher rates of obesity and depression than non-athletes. He hopes his findings will guide future programs that support the physical and mental health of retired athletes.

After football, Kump hopes to become a strength and conditioning coach — a natural fit for someone so committed to athlete wellbeing.

On top of it all, he balances life as a husband and doggy dad.

We’re proud to have Kump represent the College of Health on the field and in the classroom!

11/13/2025

Dr. Ashley Bowen, PhD, MTRS, CTRS, was installed President-Elect of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) in October. This honor recognizes Bowen’s continued leadership and dedication to the field of recreational therapy.

Bowen’s involvement with ATRA began in 2016 when she was selected as a Peg Connolly Scholar during her master’s program—a selective scholarship awarded to top RT students across the country. Since then, she has served as co-chair of the Community Section, supporting community-based recreational therapists nationwide, contributed to the Advocacy & Legislative Team on national legislation and Medicaid reimbursement, and was elected Member-At-Large on the ATRA Board last year, continuing her work in advocacy and leadership.

Her decision to run for President-Elect reflects her commitment to helping shape the future of the profession. Over the next three years—as President-Elect, President, and Past President— Bowen will work with ATRA’s Board of Directors to advance the organization’s strategic goals and strengthen recreational therapy nationwide.

11/12/2025

We had a full day of filming with in October and are excited to see the video that is produced featuring many of our departments and things we are doing to bring more life to the community!

11/10/2025

Meet Recreational Therapy alumna Alex Miller, who recently wrapped up her summer internship with Vermont Adaptive.

This photo was taken during an adaptive mountain biking trip in southern Vermont, capturing the spirit of adventure and inclusion that defines her experience.

“Every day is different! I’ve learned so much, met incredible people, and witnessed Vermont Adaptive’s inspiring growth firsthand.”

Alex shared that Vermont Adaptive is more than just a program—it’s a community that fosters independence, support, and joy.

Want to learn more abut our recreational therapy program? https://health.utah.edu/occupational-recreational-therapies/degrees/recreational-therapy-bs

11/06/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Alex Terrill and Dr. Jaime Lee on receiving a Tier 4 Pilot Award from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation!

Their project, “Resilience-based Aphasia Friendly Treatment (RAFT),” adapts an evidence-based intervention to support couples coping with post-stroke aphasia. By combining resilience training and aphasia-friendly communication strategies, RAFT aims to strengthen emotional well-being, connection, and recovery for stroke survivors and their partners.

This exciting collaboration brings together Dr. Terrill’s expertise in neurorehabilitation and dyadic treatment and Dr. Lee’s expertise in aphasia intervention—showcasing the power of interdisciplinary research to improve quality of life after stroke.

11/04/2025

Big congratulations to Department of Health & Kinesiology graduate students Onosai Fonoti and Mickey Bolyard from the Estabrooks Research Group. Both received Meritorious Poster Awards at the Center for Metabolic Health’s Annual Research Retreat.

Onosai’s project focuses on culturally grounded outreach to increase engagement with the University of Utah’s Wellness Bus among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities in the Salt Lake Valley. His work aims to strengthen trust and improve access to preventive health services in Utah.

Mickey’s project explores how Utah health and wellbeing teachers adopt and use Team Thrive, a diabetes prevention curriculum developed by the Center for Community Nutrition. Their research looks at what helps teachers successfully bring this evidence-based program into classrooms statewide.

We’re proud of the innovative, community-driven research coming from our graduate students!

11/03/2025

What happens when a group of women faculty stay connected for 20 years through mentorship, collaboration, and friendship?

Dr. Maria Newton and her colleagues share their story in a published manuscript, “A 20-Year Mentoring Collaboration of Women Faculty: The Story of the Posse.”

Their research reveals how mutual support, focus, and empowerment helped them grow—together and individually. An inspiring model for what’s possible when women lift each other up.

Key takeaways:
• Collaboration kept the group focused and productive
• A caring community provided support and encouragement
• Mutual mentorship empowered each member personally and professionally

10/30/2025

Meet Susan Redmond (’95), a physical therapy alumna who’s changing lives through the healing power of horses. 🐴💙
After a career working with children in school districts, Susan founded Unbridled Hope and Healing, a nonprofit that combines her love for PT, pediatrics, and horses. Through hippotherapy, she helps clients—from kids with autism to veterans—build strength, confidence, and emotional connection.
Her work proves that physical therapy goes far beyond the clinic—it’s about hope, movement, and healing for both humans and horses. 🌿✨
Learn more about our PT program: https://health.utah.edu/.../degree-programs/physical-therapy

Address

250 S 1850 E, Rm 200
Salt Lake City, UT
84112

Telephone

(801) 581-8379

Website

http://health.utah.edu/

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