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ATSU-CGHS home Health professions education Health administration Health sciences Kinesiology Nursing Public health Academic calendar News and events Accreditation PoliciesAbout the College of Graduate Health Studies
A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) educates and prepares health professionals for leadership across a variety of healthcare settings. Our innovative online doctoral and master’s programs include Health Administration, Public Health, Health Professions Education, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, and Nursing Practice. These programs are designed to support career advancement while empowering graduates to make a meaningful difference in the health of their communities.
Through a foundation of service, leadership, and academic excellence, ATSU-CGHS fosters an online learning environment where students grow both personally and professionally. They emerge as dedicated leaders who expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and create a lasting impact in the communities they serve.
100% ONLINE
PROGRAMS
ASYNCHRONOUS
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
11 DEGREES AND
16 CERTIFICATES
1,276 STUDENTS FROM 48 STATES AND
8 COUNTRIES
11:1 STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO
ACCREDITED BY
THE HIGHER LEARNING
COMMISSION (HLC)
A foundation for the future
ATSU-CGHS is committed to whole-person healthcare and developing compassionate leaders who serve underserved populations. We recognize the complex barriers that prevent many from accessing care, such as economic hardship, geographic isolation, language and cultural differences, disability, or systemic inequities. Our graduates are equipped to address these challenges and deliver high-quality healthcare that honors body, mind, and spirit.
Mission
The College of Graduate Health Studies is a student-centered online school, focused on academic excellence and innovation. We are dedicated to preparing leaders in the health professions for socially responsible practice, policy, and research to improve prevention, wellness, and access to care.
Vision
The College will be the preeminent online school for leaders in the health professions. We will provide a contemporary and flexible curriculum that empowers our students to translate knowledge to meet the growing needs of domestic and global health and wellness.
Values
Leadership: We value leadership development for our students, faculty, and staff and encourage participation in community and professional service.
Integrity: We value the highest ethical principles of fairness and honesty in all of our interactions.
Scholarship: We value critical thinking and the generation of ideas through innovation and analysis.
Diversity: We value differences among people and their personal and professional perspectives.
Interprofessional education: We value the combined contributions of our educational community and work to achieve an environment of teamwork and collaboration.
Innovation: We value a continuous commitment to developing new and effective methods for learning, teaching, and technological delivery.
Flexible paths for healthcare professionals
ATSU-CGHS offers flexible online doctoral, master’s, and certificate programs, enabling working health professionals to earn a prestigious degree while continuing their practice. As one of only four institutions in the U.S. recognized as a Quality Matters Exemplary Program, ATSU-CGHS demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in online education. Rooted in ATSU’s founding principles of holistic, patient-centered care, these programs develop leaders with the compassion, vision, and skill to advance whole-person health.
As healthcare continues to evolve, so does the demand for forward-thinking professionals who can drive meaningful change. ATSU-CGHS’s programs integrate the latest advancements with hands-on, community-based projects. Graduates become part of a 130-year legacy of innovation and excellence, joining a network of influential leaders united by a passion for service and improving healthcare access.
Dedicated to excellence in online health education
Faculty and staff at the College of Graduate Health Studies are compassionate and diverse professionals with extensive experience across healthcare disciplines. They are dedicated to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and advancing health outcomes for all populations.
Hear from our leadership and faculty
Administration, faculty, and staff
Explore the departments and teams that make ATSU-CGHS thrive:
Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM EP-C, PN-1, FACSM
Dean, ATSU-CGHS
marisahastie@atsu.edu
Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM EP-C, PN-1, FACSM is the Dean of the College of Graduate Health Studies at AT Still University. Dr. Hastie received her doctor of education from George Fox University (2013), her master of science in exercise and sport science with an emphasis in biomechanics from the University of Oregon (2003), and her bachelor of science in exercise science from Gonzaga University (2001). She is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is a certified Exercise Physiologist.
Prior to joining ATSU, she was a Professor of Exercise Science and Program Chair for the Exercise Science Program at Lasell University (Newton, MA). Dr. Hastie also served as the Faculty Fellow for the Fuss Center for Research on Intergenerational Education and Aging and received the deWitt Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from Lasell University. Dr. Hastie served as Faculty Chair of the University’s governance system.
Dr. Hastie has served in several leadership roles at the regional and national level of the ACSM, which include her current roles on the Professional Education Committee at the national level and as the President-Elect for the New England chapter. Her research interests have included exploring the connection between lifelong physical activity and long-term health outcomes, the relationship between exercise training and cognition, and the effects of discrimination experiences on health-related coping behaviors.
Dr. Hastie has extensive experience in online program development, teaching, and assessment. She developed an online Master of Science in Nutrition for Human Performance program and has 18 years of experience in both synchronous and asynchronous teaching formats. She became an educator because she strongly believes in the development of the whole student as a crucial responsibility of higher education institutions.
Jolynn Gardner, Ph.D., CHES
Associate Dean, Academics, Assessment, and Curricular Innovation and Associate Professor
jolynngardner@atsu.edu
Jeffrey Chaffin, DDS, MPH, MBA, MHA
Associate Professor & MPH Dental Residency Director
jchaffin@atsu.edu