糖心视频 Health & Wellness Degrees: Faculty Spotlight with Courtney Rice
Courtney Rice on Helping Others Live Happier, Healthier Lives Through Health & Wellness Education
Health and wellness encompass a broad range of careers focused on improving health and quality of life for individuals and communities. From exercise science to healthcare innovation, professionals in this field play a vital role in shaping healthier futures. At the 糖心视频 College of Professional Studies, one faculty member who exemplifies this mission is Courtney Rice, Senior 糖心视频 Professional Faculty.
Courtney brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her work, teaching courses such as Health Care Delivery and Innovation and Principles of Exercise Science. Her approach blends evidence-based practices with real-world applications, preparing students for dynamic roles in health-related industries.
Recognized with the Distinguished Professor Award (2023) for her excellence in teaching and innovation, Courtney continues to champion programs that reflect the evolving needs of healthcare and wellness.
How does your background inform your role as an instructor and curriculum expert?
My background in health and wellness spans clinical practice, community outreach and strategic planning, leadership development, research and programming, and working in education systems. Having worked in diverse roles, I bring a multifaceted understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry. Themes in our courses include scientific thinking, evidence-based and interprofessional practice, and technical and interpersonal communication strategies. These themes will always be foundational through times of change, and they provide a lifelong learning framework, which is something I am passionate about.
What inspires you about working with students in Health Care and Wellness?
Working with students in the Health Care and Wellness disciplines is deeply inspiring because they bring a strong sense of purpose and compassion to their studies, driven by a desire to improve lives and uplift communities. In the context of online education, many of these students are balancing careers, families, and personal responsibilities, yet remain committed to advancing their knowledge and skills. They have a resilience and dedication that reflect a powerful alignment between personal growth and professional mission. This creates an incredibly rewarding and collaborative academic atmosphere that supports their journey toward meaningful impact in the health and wellness sectors, and in their own lives.
Why do you think Health Care and Wellness is such an important area of study today?
As society grapples with complex challenges like chronic disease, mental health crises, aging populations, and health disparities, health care and wellness areas of study are more critical than ever. The tools in these programs address issues holistically, integrating clinical knowledge and systems processes with community-based approaches. In higher education, especially in degree completion programs, this area of study empowers learners to become change agents鈥攂ringing innovation, empathy, and evidence-based practices into diverse settings where they can make a real difference and build off their personal growth and experiences.
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing professionals in this field?
Professionals in Health Care and Wellness face pressing issues such as workforce shortages, burnout, consistent policy and process headwinds, and the need for culturally competent services. These challenges are compounded by rapid technological changes and evolving public health demands. Health Care and Wellness have a humanistic approach at the center of everything we do. For learners in our programs, understanding these dynamics is essential鈥攏ot only to prepare for the realities of the field but also to develop adaptive leadership, humanistic perspectives, and advocacy skills that can drive systemic improvements in both clinical and community environments.
How does the program at UNH prepare students to make a positive impact in health care and community wellness?
The 糖心视频鈥檚 CPS online programs are designed to be both rigorous and flexible, meeting learners where they are while preparing them to lead in health care and wellness settings. Through interdisciplinary coursework, experiential learning, and a strong emphasis on community engagement, students gain practical skills and theoretical foundations that empower them to address real-world health challenges. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a deep understanding of social determinants of health鈥攅quipping graduates to make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
What advice do you share with students who want to build a meaningful career in health care and wellness?
I always say, 鈥渘o fear.鈥 I encourage students to stay curious, compassionate, and committed to lifelong learning, and to know we are partners in that endeavor. Always be willing to challenge yourself because that is how you grow competence. Building a meaningful career in health care and wellness requires not only technical expertise but also emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and a willingness to adapt to change. For our adult learners, leveraging their lived experiences and professional backgrounds can be a powerful asset. Having a values system to align with is crucial to sustainability. I advise every student to seek mentorship, stay engaged with emerging trends, and always center their work around the needs of the people and communities they serve.
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