College of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, I write with deep gratitude. This past year, I found inspiration in the students, faculty, and staff who committed themselves every day to improving lives and strengthening communities. Their dedication reminds me that higher education is at its best when it creates opportunity, advances knowledge, and serves others. Across the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), that commitment is reflected in our momentum. Our M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology is now ranked No. 6 nationally, and the School of Nursing is expanding programs in Imperial Valley and Chula Vista to help meet critical health care workforce needs. CHHS is also home to 14 of SDSU’s doctoral programs—nearly half of all doctoral programs at the university—and continues to lead SDSU in grant funding, playing a central role in advancing the university’s R1 research mission. Most rewarding of all is watching our students become leaders who are already making a difference in the communities they serve. Your philanthropy makes this work possible. Thank you for investing in our students, supporting faculty innovation, and helping us advance equitable health and well-being for all.
Amy Bonomi, Ph.D., MPH Dean, College of Health and Human Services
Year in Giving By the Numbers | Fiscal Year 2025-26
$6.1M HHS Total Raised
$325,225
HHS Scholarship Awards
258 HHS Scholarships Awarded
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Michael and Nua Shores Endowed Scholarship The Michael and Nua Shores Endowed Scholarship provides scholarship support to students in the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work, helping reduce financial barriers and enabling students to devote more time to their academic studies, field placements, clinical training, and professional development opportunities. The fund supports the preparation of future healthcare and human services professionals while expanding access to educational experiences that strengthen workforce readiness and empower graduates to make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve. Dr. Karen Macauley Nursing Award Endowment The Dr. Karen Macauley Nursing Award Endowment provides award support to faculty, staff, and students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, recognizing excellence in advanced nursing education and practice while supporting the professional growth of future nurse leaders. By investing in those pursuing and advancing doctoral-level nursing education, the fund helps strengthen the healthcare workforce and supports innovative approaches to improving patient care and health outcomes. Inger P. Davis Joint Doctoral Support Endowment The Inger P. Davis Joint Doctoral Support Endowment provides support for Joint Doctoral Programs offered in partnership with the University of California San Diego, strengthening advanced education and research opportunities for doctoral students while fostering collaboration between two leading institutions. Through support for scholarly and professional development, the fund helps prepare future researchers, educators, and practitioners to address complex challenges in health and human services and contribute to advancements in their fields.
School of Nursing students promoting wellness, learning, and community engagement at the WELLBEING & HEALTH event on campus.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program students.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Angela Gutierrez, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Health and Human Services Major: Social Work
In Spring 2026, Angela earned her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in child development and is pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in direct practice through the Advanced Standing Program. Inspired by her paternal grandmother’s repeated cancer diagnoses and her family’s experiences accessing healthcare in rural Imperial County, Angela developed a passion for serving vulnerable, older adults. As a hospice volunteer, she provided companionship and culturally responsive support to terminally ill patients and their families. During her internship at Grossmont Post-Acute Care, she conducted biopsychosocial assessments, participated in interdisciplinary care planning, and supported residents and families through medical transitions. After completing her internship, she was hired as a social services assistant. She also works as a research assistant under Dr. Eunjeong Ko on a California Breast Cancer Research Program grant, collecting data and conducting follow-up interviews to promote health equity and culturally responsive care. After earning her MSW in Spring 2027, Angela plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with older adults facing healthcare disparities.
“
After earning her MSW in spring 2027, Angela plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with older adults facing healthcare disparities.
”
Student Spotlight
Khristian Martinez, Class of 2027 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: Adapted Athletics, College of Health and Human Services Major: Accounting, Charles W. Lamden of Accountancy
Khristian Martinez is an undergraduate accounting student at San Diego State University, a member of the wheelchair tennis team, and the Adapted Athletics Student-Athlete Representative. While balancing academics, competitive athletics, and personal responsibilities, he has consistently earned Dean’s List honors during his time at SDSU. After becoming a wheelchair user, Khristian was introduced to the field of physical therapy and was deeply impressed by SDSU’s program. Through the support of the SDSU Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Association, SDSU Adapted Sports Physical Therapy, and faculty within the department, he experienced exceptional care, education, and mentorship. Participating in these programs significantly improved his quality of life and broadened his understanding of physical therapy. Reflecting on his experience, Khristian shared, “The best thing for me was investing my time into physical therapy as a wheelchair user.” He hopes to use what he has learned to positively impact others, just as the College of Health and Human Services has impacted him.
“
The best thing for me was investing my time into physical therapy as a wheelchair user.
”
Student Spotlight
J' Ramsankar, Class of 2027 Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Health and Human Services Major: Athletic Training, Exercise and Nutritional Sciences
As an international student in San Diego State University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program, I have gained valuable clinical experience while developing as a healthcare professional and leader. Alongside rigorous coursework, I have completed clinical internships each semester in athletic training settings. My clinical education has included an internship at the University of San Diego (USD), with upcoming placements at the University of Southern California (USC) and San Diego City College (SDCC). These experiences have strengthened my clinical skills, exposed me to diverse patient populations, and allowed me to apply evidence-based practices in real-world settings. I serve on the MSAT Advisory Council, representing my peers and collaborating with faculty to enhance the student experience. Scholarship support has been essential in helping me pursue my education and professional goals. I am honored to have received scholarships from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association (FWATA). I am grateful to the donors whose generosity has helped me prepare for a career focused on improving health and well-being.
“
I am grateful to the donors whose generosity has helped me prepare for a career focused on improving health and well-being.
”
Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Current Rankings Public Health is ranked No. 26 nationally among public health graduate programs. The Public Health epidemiology graduate program made its debut in the Top 25, ranking No. 23 nationally. Speech-Language Pathology is ranked No. 6 nationally, marking the program’s highest ranking ever. SDSU’s master’s in nursing program is ranked No. 67 among graduate nursing programs. The SDSU School of Physical Therapy is ranked No. 48 nationally. Statistics of Interest Bachelor's degrees awarded: 1,242 Master’s degrees awarded: 328 Doctoral degrees awarded: 73
Rankings
Speech-Language Pathology rose to No. 6 nationally; Public Health No. 26, Epidemiology No. 23, Physical Therapy No. 48, and Nursing No. 67.
Degrees Awarded
1,242 bachelor’s, 328 master’s, and 73 doctoral degrees awarded across high-impact health and human service fields.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Transforming Lives Irina Potapova, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Title: Lecturer, MA Graduate Advisor, Associate Director of the Joint Doctoral Program in Language and Communicative Disorders College: College of Health and Human Services
Achievements: In Spring 2026, Dr. Irina Potapova received SDSU’s inaugural Lecturer Teaching Excellence Award, honoring her exceptional commitment to student learning, pedagogical innovation, and educational impact. Dr. Potapova's connection to SDSU began as a doctoral student and speech-language pathology trainee. With the support of her research mentors, clinical supervisors, and peers, she learned to connect research with clinical practice while developing skills in teaching and leadership. Today, she draws on those experiences to support students in the same programs that launched her own career, serving as an instructor in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Associate Director of the Joint Doctoral Program in Language and Communicative Disorders; and Graduate Advisor for the MA Program in Speech-Language Pathology. Whether teaching undergraduate students who are exploring career trajectories or supervising graduate clinicians as they exercise professional skills, Dr. Potapova strives to provide the same combination of support, challenge, and encouragement that shaped her own development. Across student levels, feedback consistently indicates that Dr. Potapova has meaningfully added to students’ SDSU experience, including by creating welcoming learning spaces. SLHS graduates go on to serve children, adults, and families in schools, hospitals, private practices, and community settings, while others contribute to research and higher education. As both a graduate and a leader of SDSU's training programs, Dr. Potapova is especially well positioned to help students bridge academic learning, clinical practice, and community impact.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Erika Rodriguez, MSN, RN, CNS Title: Assistant Director School of Nursing Imperial Valley College: College of Health and Human Services
Achievements: Erika Rodriguez was accepted into a Ph.D. nursing program, with research focused on cardiovascular disease in Imperial Valley and strengthened by collaboration with rural areas in Nebraska. This achievement advances rural health scholarship and supports research that may inform nursing practice, improve cardiovascular outcomes, and benefit rural communities across the U.S. Rodriguez implemented and ensured the successful integration of expanded simulation-based learning across the nursing curriculum in Imperial Valley to better prepare the next generation of nurses for the realities of patient care. This achievement created a more consistent, hands-on learning experience by requiring every nursing course to include patient-centered simulation scenarios aligned with course outcomes. Through this initiative, each course now incorporates a minimum of two simulations, with some courses offering up to five simulation experiences. These simulations were intentionally embedded throughout the curriculum so students could repeatedly practice clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and patient safety in a structured and supportive learning environment. These experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge to realistic patient situations, build confidence, and receive feedback before entering or advancing in clinical practice. The quality of simulation was also advanced through the incorporation of immersive technology and standardized patients into the student learning experience. Immersive technology allows students to engage with complex, high-risk, or less frequently encountered patient care scenarios, while standardized patients support the development of therapeutic communication, cultural humility, assessment skills, and professional behaviors through realistic human interaction. This curriculum-wide implementation strengthened the connection between theory and practice while supporting the need for a well-prepared nursing workforce in Imperial Valley. As a result, students are better equipped to respond to patient needs, adapt to changing clinical environments, and enter the workforce with greater readiness. By increasing both the quantity and quality of simulation experiences, this achievement improved student preparation, strengthened clinical competence, and supported the health care needs of the region.
Featured Areas
Live Well Center for Innovation & Leadership The College of Health & Human Services (CHHS) is leading the way toward a national model of excellence in academic-practice partnership through the Live Well Center for Innovation & Leadership (LWCIL). LWCIL brings together SDSU and the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) to advance education, develop the workforce, and engage in equity-focused research and service. Second Annual Health & Human Services Careers Week: Over four days in April, more than 325 students and early-career alumni developed career search skills, gained job market knowledge, and built professional connections through workshops, a Career Expo, and a networking event with County professionals and alumni. Academic Internship Program Pilot: Sixteen SDSU students benefited from a new internship with HHSA during Spring 2026. Designed to provide equitable access to internship opportunities, the program is expanding to 32 students this fall. Participating students are exposed to county programs and services through eight departments spanning public health, child and family well-being, and behavioral and mental health. College Student Food Security Collaboration: Students, faculty, practitioners, and community partners came together to address food insecurity among college students in the North Central region. This resulted in a convening of basic needs representatives from multiple universities to increase student awareness and enrollment in CalFresh and to foster regional collaboration to improve food access. Regional Health & Human Services Workforce Collaboration: CHHS, HHSA, and CSU San Marcos secured a three-year, $900,000 grant to strengthen regional workforce collaboration through academic-practice partnerships, industry engagement, and expanded student opportunities. Catalyzing Research Connections: More than 200 county, community, and academic researchers attended the Measuring What Matters Data Summit in Fall 2025 to explore community data resources and foster research partnerships.
Students participating in the Academic Internship Program toured the County of San Diego's state-of-the-art Public Health Lab.
Featured Areas
Adaptive Fitness Clinic The San Diego State University Adaptive Fitness Clinic educates more than 500 students each academic year, including ENS 437A students, ENS 440 and PSY 395 interns, and student volunteers from SDSU and surrounding universities. The SDSU Adaptive Fitness Clinic is a community outreach program through the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University. Founded by Dr. Peter M. Aufsesser in 1983 with a federal grant — and now operating with a profit — the Fitness Clinic serves clients from the San Diego region ranging from 2 to 98 years old with a wide variety of physical disabilities, offering them the opportunity to reach their fitness and exercise goals and develop management skills for their disabilities. Our program has served more than 1,000 individual clients from the disabled community over our 40 years of service. Currently, we serve 140 clients via our in-person clinic and Zoom classes.
Our Adaptive Fitness Clinic in action.
The Fitness Clinic also serves as an educational experience for SDSU kinesiology students, including those majoring in pre-physical therapy, exercise science generalist, and fitness specialist. Students, under the direct guidance and supervision of faculty and staff, work directly with the clients on a variety of exercises and activities. The Fitness Clinic is one of several service-learning programs at the university level that allows students to achieve hands-on training in a supervised lab class and also serves as a valuable resource for those with physical and intellectual disabilities who need long-term adaptive fitness and rehabilitation.
Student working with a client at the Clinic.
Student working with a client at the Clinic.
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations New Endowments Dolores A. Wozniak Nursing Scholarship Endowment Dr. Karen Macauley Endowed Nursing Award Dr. Susan Aileen Hellweg Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Endowment Grage Scholarship Endowment Inger P. Davis Joint Doctoral Support Endowment Merrill and Pat Newhoff Scholarship Endowment Norma Diaz Scholarship Endowment Patricia Roth Nursing Endowed Scholarship Patricia Roth Nursing Endowment
Endowments (Active) Alumni Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Alvarado Health Foundation Nursing Endowed Scholarship AMI Award Endowment AMN Nursing Endowed Scholarship Barbara K. Rosenblatt Endowment Baronofsky Memorial Endowment Barry Jones Endowment Betty Broom Endowed Faculty Research Fund Beverly Butcher and Erin Ballard Memorial Scholarship Endowment Center on Substance Abuse Endowment Charles E. and Marie S. Curtright Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Charles E. and Marie S. Curtright School of Nursing Endowment Colwell Family Endowment for Nursing Community Health Group Endowment Cynthia J. Hooker Memorial Scholarship Endowment David C. Pritchard Memorial Endowed Scholarship Dorothea Lambert Endowment Dorothy Lee Elliott Endowment Dr. Abram S. Benenson Endowment Dr. J’s Student Club Endowment Dr. Michael Buono Endowed Scholarship - True Dr. Sue Earnest Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Christine Kirsch Endowment for the Audiology White Coat Ceremony Eldred George Mugford in Memory of Clare Helen Mugford, RN Endowed Scholarship Emma Lora Johnson Memorial Endowed Scholarship ENS Emeritus Professorship Endowed Scholarship Ernest Witte Memorial Endowed Scholarship Exercise & Nutrional Sciences Endowment Fitness Clinic Endowment Fitness Clinic Operations Endowment Florence Bacong Choe Memorial Endowed Scholarship Frances Shimp Tidwell Endowment Frank Parodi Endowment Funderburk Center for Substance Abuse Endowment G. W. Ellis Memorial Endowment George and Ruth Warwick Endowment Gregory Voigt and Robert Moore Scholarship in Athletic Training Hanlon Endowed Chair Hanlon GSPH Award Endowment Harriet Green Kopp Doctorial Dissertation Award Hebbel Gerontology Internship Hilda and Colonel Robert L. Dodge Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Hoffer-Riedman Endowed Scholarship J.E. Lindsay Carter Endowed Scholarship Jamie B. Geller Memorial Endowed Scholarship Jane Beers School of Social Work Endowed Scholarship Jeri and Elliot Hirshman Nursing Endowment John Anderson Bequest-Public Health Endowment John E. Floodberg Endowment for the SDSU Adaptive Fitness Clinic Kala Singh Endowed Scholarship Kasch-Boyer Endowment Katherine R. Foley Endowed Scholarship Kathleen Kopels Celebration Endowment Kathy Rahe Memorial Nursing Endowed Scholarship Koch-Pollak Endowed Scholarship
To learn more, please contact Stacy Carota at scarota@sdsu.edu
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations Endowments (Active) Continued Language, Learning, and Literacy Endowed Scholarship Lauretta S. Wenc Endowment Lori Lemas Memorial Endowment Lorraine Sears Bryant Memorial Endowed Scholarship M.Q. Hawkins Memorial Dietetic Program Endowment M.T. Sandways Memorial Endowed Scholarship Maria Sardinas Behavioral Health Institute Endowment Mariana Churchill Endowment Marianne Kochanski Scholarship Endowment Marilyn E. Newhoff Endowed Fellowship Marlene Ruiz Endowed Nursing Scholarship Mary Cave Endowed Scholarship Mary Quam Hawkins Endowed Scholarship Michael and Nua Shores Endowed Scholarship Michele J. Crisafulli Endowed Scholarship Paul Pfaff Memorial Endowment Petra Steinhauser Endowment
Reet Howell Memorial Endowment Robert Gamble Bowers, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship Sadanand Singh Endowed Professorship in Speech and Language Sciences Sam Foshee Memorial Endowed Scholarship School of Nursing Endowed Scholarship Sharon Burt Memorial Endowed Scholarship Sharp HealthCare Endowed Scholarship Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky Language and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab Endowment Social Work Endowment Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Scholarship Endowment Stumpf/Wedemeyer Child Advocacy Endowment The Baytop MPH Fellowship Endowment Tom Carter Endowed Scholarship William H. Schutte Memorial Endowed Scholarship
To learn more, please contact Stacy Carota at scarota@sdsu.edu
Thank you for your generous support.
University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu