Health and Human Sciences is the new name for the unit that oversees MU Extension programs in

• Nutrition, including the Family Nutrition Education Program, which covers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
• Health Education, including chronic disease prevention/management, exercise and healthy aging.
• Human Development and Family Science.
• Personal Finance.
• Healthy Homes.

“Organizational changes underscored the need for an updated name,” said Lisa Washburn, MU Extension Health and Human Sciences senior program director. “The new name reflects our expertise in human sciences and health-related disciplines and better reflects the alignment of our extension work with the appropriate university academic schools and colleges housing most of our unit’s faculty.”

When the MU College of Human Environmental Sciences was academically restructured in 2021, affiliated MU Extension faculty were welcomed to five MU schools and colleges. These faculty will now also be identified within the MU Extension Health and Human Sciences program. The unit includes

• 18 campus-based state faculty in five colleges and schools and seven academic departments.
• 50 field faculty who deliver nutrition, health and human development education and outreach.
• More than 100 program associates who conduct nutrition education programming with low-income residents.

“The new name also reflects the growing collaboration between MU Extension and MU academic departments and our focus on pursuing transdisciplinary approaches to address Missouri’s grand challenges,” Washburn said. “We bring together expertise in human sciences and health and well-being, with an aim to help Missourians solve human problems, strengthen families and improve health and well-being for all.”