Department of Health Science - Minnesota State University, Mankato

06/02/2026

Exciting News, we were recognized in the Spring 2026 NCHEC News Bulletin! (go to page 8 )

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/645945124/

The NCHEC Employer Recognition Program spotlights organizations that actively encourage and support CHES® and MCHES® certification by affirming a workforce grounded in nationally validated competencies, a shared code of ethics, and ongoing professional development. Let’s welcome our newest organizations to this program.

CHES and MCHES quarterly news bulletin

05/26/2026

Exciting News - We are HIRING! The Department of Health Science is hiring a Fulltime Assistant Professor. Join our fun team!
Apply: https://minnstate.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/Mankato/Assistant-Professor--Health-Science-Applied-Health-Science--AA27021-_JR0000003755
Deadline Application Date: JUNE 10, 2026
(close at 12:01 a.m. CT)
Please share the post - Spread the word!
College of Allied Health & Nursing-Minnesota State University, Mankato

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Thad Shunkwiler, faculty in Alcohol and Drug Studies in the Department of Health Science. Thank you for your dedication and leadership in the community and impact on our students!

We are proud to celebrate our founder and lead therapist, Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT, on being elected by his fellow board members to serve as Chairman of the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, beginning July 1st.

The Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy plays a vital role in protecting the public and advancing the profession by overseeing licensure standards, ethical practice, professional conduct, and continuing education for Marriage and Family Therapists across the state.

Being selected by his peers to lead the board is a reflection of his longstanding commitment to the profession, his collaborative leadership, and his dedication to strengthening the quality and integrity of mental health care in Minnesota.

At Mankato Marriage Solutions, we believe in showing up not only for the individuals, couples, and families in our community — but also for the profession itself. We are incredibly proud to have leadership that actively contributes to the growth, advocacy, and future of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Please join us in congratulating Thad on this well-deserved honor!

05/22/2026

Proud to spotlight MSU associate professor Mary Kramer in the Department of Health Sciences. Kramer is the recipient of a Presidential Citation Award issued by the Minnesota Society for Public Health Education. Kramer was selected for her more than 25 years in teaching, health education, wellness and advocacy. Minnesota SOPHE provides leadership to the profession of health education, health promotion and public health, and promotes the health of communities.

05/12/2026

Health advice is all over social media. Here's how to vet claims:

Health and wellness advice is available in abundance on social media — from trendy to informative to straight-up disinformation — and you’re far from alone in seeing it.

05/11/2026

Congratulations to the Graduates of the Department of Health Science! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this incredible achievement. Be proud of how far you've come and excited for all that's ahead! We are proud of each and every one of you and can't wait to see the amazing things you accomplish! You'll always be part of the Mav Family!

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

Health Science Student and Faculty Spotlight!

05/04/2026

Congratulations to Angela Altschul, Alyssa Ranem and Maci Boffeli who recently passed the CHES exam!

What is the CHES exam? Issued by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialling (NCHEC), the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam® Exam is a competency-based test that measures the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge related to the Eight Areas of Responsibility, as verified by a national role delineation and practice analysis process. The computer-based exam consists of 165 multiple choice questions and is administered by Prometric in test centers and through live remote proctoring both nationally and internationally.
Who can obtain this certification? All our Applied Health Science majors are prepared and eligible to sit for this exam, either their last semester, or after they graduate.
Why take this exam? Adding the CHES® certification to your title and resume can demonstrate a mastery of skillsets needed in a wide variety of work-place settings across the country including government, community/non-profit, university, healthcare, schools, businesses. This credential tells a potential employer that an individual not only has a college degree in health education/health promotion, but that they are up to date in knowledge and expertise and are committed to continuing their education through professional development after college.

04/30/2026

The 2026 Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) National Conference held in Portland, Oregon was an inspiring gathering of public health leaders, educators, and change-makers from across the country. This year, our team contributed two research posters that highlighted collaborative approaches....