College of Education & Human Services

Announcing Structural Changes at Western Illinois University College of Education and Human Services

Eric Sheffield
Eric Sheffield
Interim Dean of COEHS

Effective July 1, the Western Illinois University College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) will implement significant program and structural changes. These adjustments aim to enhance efficiency, foster new program synergies, and continue to produce highly qualified, service-oriented graduates for the region.

“Our year-long review of potential reorganization plans, with valuable input from Interim Provost Mark Mossman, has culminated in the following changes,” said Eric Sheffield, Interim Dean of COEHS.

Key Changes:

  • Military Science and LEJA: The Military Science program and the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) will now report directly to the Provost.
  • Horn Field Campus: Management of the Horn Field Campus (HFC) will transition from the Department of Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality (RPTH) to COEHS.
  • Program Transfers:
    • The Sport Management Master's degree program will shift from Kinesiology to RPTH.
    • The Physical Education P-12 licensure program will move from Kinesiology to the School of Education.
    • Health Sciences programs will now be under Kinesiology.
  • Departmental Realignments:
    • The Social Work Program will join the Counselor Education and College Student Personnel department, which will be renamed the Department of Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work.
    • The Health Sciences and Social Work Department will be dissolved.

“We are confident that these changes will better serve our current and future students, ensuring that the university remains a regional and state leader in producing humane, caring, and highly qualified graduates essential to the well-being of our community," Sheffield stated.

For more information about these changes and their implications, please visit our website or contact the COEHS office.