Office of the Dean

Leading the way in health and wellness education

Welcome to the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at Northern Arizona University.

CHHS prepares students to become—and remain—excellent health professionals. The college aims to facilitate high-quality learning and education, advance knowledge and practice in the health professions, and provide service to improve the health and well-being of everyone we serve, particularly Arizona residents, Native Americans, and underserved or disadvantaged communities.

CHHS Dean, Lillian Smith walks with a student on the Flagstaff campus.

Our quest for a healthier Arizona

As part of NAU 2025 – Elevating Excellence, the university’s strategic roadmap, CHHS works to improve the health and economic well-being of Arizonans. One of our priority goals is to prepare more students to stay in Arizona and work in high need and fulfilling careers. To complement these strategies, we collaborate with our community and academic partners to remove barriers and increase access to our programs.

Read NAU’s strategic plan

Healthcare degrees across Arizona and online

We are the third-largest (and fastest-growing) college at NAU, with over 4,800 students and 150 faculty members. We offer healthcare career preparation programs throughout the state of Arizona—in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and a host of other locations, as well as online—so that regardless of where you live or your life circumstances, you have access to the education you want.

As a student in any of the programs in CHHS, you will be part of a nationally recognized, student-centered college that strives for excellence in teaching, research, and service. Our students, faculty, and staff are high achievers who are at the forefront of their disciplines.

Northern Arizona University and the College of Health and Human Services are poised to provide you with an unparalleled education that challenges and connects your mind and body within a pristine outdoor environment in Arizona. Please call or email us to talk about the many life-enriching benefits of graduating with a degree from or partnering with the College of Health and Human Services at Northern Arizona University.

Dean’s office staff

Members of the dean’s office are ready to help you at any time. The office of the dean’s staff is ready to help find the right path for your needs—whether you take classes in Flagstaff, online, or at a statewide campus such as the Phoenix Bioscience Core.