Department of Human Sciences

Advancing Health Through Nutrition, Education, and Community Impact.

The Food, Nutrition and Community Health Sciences program prepares students to address health and wellness challenges through evidence-based nutrition, public health education, and community engagement. Students develop the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to promote healthy lifestyles, improve health outcomes, and address health disparities. Through hands-on learning, community partnerships, and experiential opportunities, graduates are prepared to become leaders in nutrition, health promotion, and public health.

Why Choose FNCHS?

• • Learn from experienced faculty with expertise in nutrition and health sciences
  • Explore the relationship between nutrition, wellness, and disease prevention
  • Gain practical experience through community-based learning
  • Address public health challenges affecting diverse populations
  • Prepare for careers in health promotion, nutrition, and community health.

Concentration Areas
Nutrition Science
Study the role of nutrients in human growth, development, and overall health, and promote evidence-based dietary practices.

Public Health
Develop strategies to improve and protect the health of individuals, families, and communities through education, prevention, and health promotion.

Global Health and Community Wellness
Explore global health challenges while promoting equitable access to healthcare and wellness resources.

Public Health and Environmental Health
Examine how environmental factors influence human health and develop solutions that promote healthier communities.

Public Health and Maternal & Child Health
Focus on improving health outcomes for mothers, infants, children, and families through education, policy, and community-based interventions.

Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers as:

• • Community Health Educators
  • Public Health Specialists
  • Nutrition Program Coordinators
  • Health Promotion Specialists
  • Wellness Coordinators
  • Community Outreach Professionals
  • Maternal and Child Health Advocates
  • Public Health Program Managers

Human Development & Family Science Careers

• Family Services Specialist
• Child and Youth Advocate
• Family Life Educator
• Aging Services Coordinator
• Childcare Administrator
• Community Outreach Coordinator

Food, Nutrition & Community Health Sciences Careers

• Community Health Educator
• Public Health Specialist
• Nutrition Program Coordinator
• Wellness Coordinator
• Maternal and Child Health Advocate
• Community Wellness Coordinator

Current Outlook:

• Health Education Specialists are projected to grow 4% from 2024-2034.
  Community Health Workers are projected to grow 11% from 2024-2034, much faster than average (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
• Overall, healthcare occupations are projected to grow much faster than average, with approximately 1.9 million openings annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).

Want to learn more?
Explore salary information, job growth projections, and career requirements through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Meet Our Faculty and Staff 

The faculty of the Department of Human Sciences are dedicated educators, researchers, mentors, and community leaders committed to student success. Bringing together expertise in human development, family science, nutrition, public health, and community wellness, our faculty provide students with the knowledge, guidance, and hands-on learning experiences needed to excel in their chosen careers.

Through innovative teaching, meaningful research, and community engagement, our faculty prepare students to address real-world challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities. Beyond the classroom, they serve as mentors who support academic achievement, professional development, leadership growth, and lifelong learning.

Whether guiding undergraduate research, facilitating experiential learning opportunities, or connecting students with industry and community partners, our faculty are invested in helping every student reach their full potential and make a positive impact in the world.

Learn more about the accomplished faculty members who are shaping the next generation of human sciences professionals.

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Dr. Muhammad Riaz
Interim Chair / Faculty
[email protected]
(601) 877-4710

 

 

 

 

Dr. Martha Ravola
Professor
[email protected]
601-877-4717

 

 

 

 

LaTasha Coleman
Staff/Adjunct
[email protected]
601-877-3967

 

 

 

 

Felicia M. Garfield
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
(601) 877-6252

 

 

 

 

Ouida Pittman
Part-Time Instructor
[email protected]
601-877-4716

 

 

 

 

Adjunct Instructors

 

 

 

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Child Development and Family Studies focuses on the study of Child Development and Family Life. The multidisciplinary curriculum is synergistic and integrative in content, knowledge, and experiential learning from various fields for the purpose of studying individuals and families across the lifespan. The program of study views the child, family, and community as interrelated and develops creative approaches to address the problems and needs of these entities in a variety of settings. The program prepares graduates for a variety of career choices, including administering programs for young children, adolescents, and adults, family life education, cooperative extension, and human and social service agencies.

Please click on the links below to learn more about Child Development:

Information Sheet

Program Status Sheet

About the Child Development Learning Center

The Alcorn State University Child Development Learning Center (CDLC) provides a nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment designed to support the growth and development of young children. Established in 1950, the CDLC operates under the Department of Human Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and has been licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health since June 23, 1980. The center serves children from six weeks through 5 years of age in infant, toddler and preschool classrooms.

The CDLC supports Alcorn State University’s land-grant mission through teaching, research and outreach. In addition to providing childcare and early learning opportunities for families, the center serves as an applied learning environment for university students. Students have opportunities to observe, participate and gain practical experience while studying the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. The center also supports research and educational experiences associated with the university’s academic programs.

Learning and Development

The Child Development Learning Center is committed to providing a safe, responsive and engaging environment where children can grow, learn and develop. The center offers play-based learning and developmentally appropriate educational experiences that support early childhood growth and social-emotional development. Children also have opportunities to participate in outdoor play and extracurricular activities that complement their classroom experiences.

Through age-appropriate learning experiences, the CDLC supports the development of the whole child. Teachers provide experiences that encourage children to explore, interact, communicate and develop skills that contribute to their continued growth and preparation for future educational experiences.

Meet Our Staff

The Child Development Learning Center is supported by a team committed to providing a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. Our staff works closely with children and families while supporting the center’s teaching and experiential learning mission.

A Learning Laboratory for Alcorn Students

An important part of the CDLC’s mission is its role as an applied learning site for Alcorn State University students. The center provides university students with observational, participatory and educational experiences in a high-quality child development setting. Through these experiences, students can connect concepts learned in the classroom with practical experiences involving infants, toddlers, preschool children and families.

The CDLC is housed within the Department of Human Sciences and supports experiential learning opportunities associated with academic study in child development and related areas. Its role as a learning laboratory allows Alcorn students to gain a deeper understanding of child growth and development while preparing for careers that serve children, families and communities.

Enrollment

Enrollment at the Child Development Learning Center is open to children ages six weeks through 5 years. Children are served through infant, toddler and preschool classrooms, with classroom placement based on age and developmental considerations.

Parents and guardians interested in enrolling a child may obtain an application from the Child Development Learning Center. Families are also encouraged to contact the center to schedule a visit, learn more about available enrollment opportunities and receive current information regarding required enrollment documentation.

Child Care Vouchers

The Child Development Learning Center accepts state-approved child care vouchers to help make quality early childhood education and childcare more accessible to eligible families. Through the center’s Access for All initiative, qualifying families may apply approved child care benefits toward tuition costs at the CDLC. Families interested in using child care assistance are encouraged to contact the center for additional information regarding enrollment and the use of approved benefits.

Drop-In Childcare for Alcorn Students

The Child Development Learning Center also offers a drop-in childcare service designed to support eligible full-time undergraduate Alcorn State University students who are parents. The service provides a short-term childcare option to help student parents balance their academic responsibilities while ensuring their children are cared for in a nurturing and secure environment.

To qualify for the drop-in childcare program, parents must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at Alcorn State University and provide proof of enrollment. A completed application and required documentation must also be submitted to the center. The drop-in program is offered for $25 for up to five days of care, with each additional day available for $5.

Hours of Operation

The Child Development Learning Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Early drop-off is available beginning at 7:45 a.m.

Our Commitment to Children and Families

For more than 75 years, the Child Development Learning Center has been part of Alcorn State University’s commitment to children, families, students and communities. The center continues that tradition by providing an environment that promotes early learning and development while creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities for university students.

Through its combined roles in childcare, education and applied learning, the CDLC supports young children during important developmental years while helping prepare Alcorn students for careers that positively impact children, families and communities.

Contact the CDLC

Families interested in enrollment, scheduling a visit, learning more about child care vouchers or receiving information about the student drop-in childcare program may contact the Child Development Learning Center.

Geneiiah Weddington, Ed.S.
Director, Child Development Learning Center
Eunice Powell Hall
Alcorn State University
Lorman, Mississippi 39096
Phone: 601-877-6255
Email: [email protected]