Public Health Education | Student Engagement

Student Engagement

The Department of Public Health Education empowers students to extend their learning beyond the classroom through community engagement, research, leadership, and more. Engaging with the community starts with engaging our students, which is at the heart of our mission as we prepare future leaders in public health. We support our students to gain skills, confidence, and connection to apply their learning in a meaningful way to impact the world around them.

Whether students are participating in service-learning projects, internships, student organizations, or faculty-led research, students find countless ways to promote, engage, and create change. Together, we are building healthier communities-starting here at UNCG.

Melanin in Medicine group photo

Melanin in medicine

Melanin in Medicine (MIM) is a student-led organization that empowers underrepresented students who are interested in healthcare careers. Open to all majors and disciplines, MIM supports any student who sees a future in medicine, whether in public health, nursing, pre-med, pre-PA, allied health, or related fields.

Founded in 2023, MIM has grown to over 110 active members who are committed to academic excellence, leadership, and service. Our faculty advisor is Dr. Andrea Lewis in the Public Health department, who helps us stay grounded in purpose and aligned with our vision. Read more….

Public Health Impact Network (PHIN)

The Public Health Impact Network (PHIN) is a student-led organization open to all students interested in creating a change through holistic wellness and public health efforts-no matter their major. From engaging in community service, collaborative events, advocacy and health education, PHIN offers a variety of opportunities for student involvement.

Founded in 2024, PHIN started as a small group that consisted of only 11 executive board members and our faculty advisor from the Department of Public Health Education, Suzanne Hunt. Currently, PHIN still maintains the same executive board structure and has a total of 129 active members. Read more….

students walking with purpose
authentically dressed hispanic women dancing

Public Health in the Dominican Republic: Global Service-Learning

The Department of Public Health Education at UNCG offers students the Public Health in the Dominican Republic program, an immersive experience designed to foster global awareness and community engagement through active participation in addressing public health challenges in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Students engage through pre-departure lectures, guest speaker sessions in the Dominican Republic, guided reflections, and experiential activities, including community health assessments and public health outreach initiatives. Collaborations with local healthcare providers enrich students’ practical skills and enhance their understanding of cultural responsiveness and health equity in a global context.

Faculty Coordinator & Guide: Andrea Lewis, PhD, MSPA/MPH, PA-C

Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG), the national honorary for health education, was established on the campus of Ball State University in 1967. ESG has a rich history of serving students and the profession through teaching, service, and research and has grown to include over eighty chapters throughout the United States. 

The Alpha Nu Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro was recognized on May 1, 1978. The primary purpose of ESG is to further the professional competence and dedication of individual members of the health education profession. ESG also promotes discipline by elevating the standards, ideals, competence and ethics of professionally prepared men and women in Health Education. 

For information, please contact: alphanuesg@gmail.com. 

Eta Sigma Gamma logo
public health students and faculty with noble peace prize winner

Other Ways To Engage

While there are plenty of unique and innovative experiences for students to engage in through Campus Activities and Programs, the Department of Public Health Education offers exclusive opportunities for its students, including:

  • Research
    • Engage in faculty-led research projects to better understand public health issues and apply classroom learning in practical settings
  • Volunteer / Service Learning
    • Some in-person and online courses offer opportunities for community involvement through volunteerism and service learning for real-world learning and practical application
  • Professional Development
    • Students can present or attend local and national conferences with faculty members to network and enhance professional skills.
  • Disciplinary Honors
    • Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher will have the opportunity to complete an additional educational distinction through the Lloyd International Honors College. This opportunity allows students to explore their major in-depth through creative projects and research to further prepare students for graduate or professional school and their future career. Students who complete this honors experience receive a Certificate of Disciplinary Honors in Public Health Education. Find out more here.

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