Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness

This new interdisciplinary center, led by Dr. Kimberly Murphy, strengthens campus and community well-being through applied student research, internships, community service and other experiential learning opportunities.

The center’s focus aligns with the six dimensions of wellness developed by Dr. Bill Hettler of the University of Wisconsin. These are occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual and emotional. The center's mission connects broadly with the Augustana's curricular and co-curricular programs.

The center's first major project is a partnership between the college and the city of Rock Island to identify and inventory lead water service lines in the city. Augustana's Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities also is involved with the project.

Dr. Murphy explained that the approach “is very much an interdisciplinary project,” in the way it will bring together students and faculty from all majors — with different skill sets and perspectives — to help tackle a real-life problem close to campus. 

Dr. Kimberly Murphy, associate professor of biology, joined Augustana College in 2011. She has a  Ph.D. in genetics and cell biology from Washington State University