Human Performance and Health Education

Each year, faculty members from across the University select the most outstanding senior in their various academic schools, departments and programs to represent their units as a WMU Presidential Scholar. This year, 50 scholars were chosen from a senior class of 5,082 students.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Committed to making learning accessible and affordable, Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) announced a new academic initiative, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Opportunities. Students may now apply for potential credit for their prior knowledge and experiences for various programs within CEHD. This is a great opportunity for nontraditional students to showcase their prior learning experiences and fast-track their degree program.

Taylor Gaines, whose family experienced stretches of homelessness growing up, is excited to put what she's learned at Western into practice. She has dreams of becoming a physical therapist and opening a clinic to help patients who can't otherwise afford care. "I just care a lot about people, how I can better the community. Seeing the stuff that I've been through just made me want to do better for other people," she says.