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ATSU-CGHS home Health professions education Health administration Health sciences Kinesiology Nursing Public health Academic calendar News and events Accreditation Policies Office of Scholarly and Professional Development CGHS Career Services University writing centerAbout 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
BACHELOR'S TO DOCTORATE
DIRECT ENTRY
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
To empower working health professionals through flexible online education, personalized connection and support, and applied learning to advance careers and elevate whole person health in the communities we serve.
Vision
To be a trusted online community where health professionals learn, lead, collaborate, and create meaningful system-wide impact.
Values
Human connection and collaboration: We build meaningful relationships and foster interprofessional teamwork so online learning feels personal, connected, and supportive throughout the student journey.
Career and workforce relevance: We align flexible learning with real-world health challenges to equip students with demonstrable, career-relevant skills.
Scholarly leadership and impact: We cultivate ethical leaders who use evidence, inquiry, and research to improve practice, policy, education, and health outcomes.
Integrity and accountability: We act with transparency, honor our commitments, and deliver measurable value to our students and communities.
Continuous improvement: We regularly refine our programs, courses, and internal operations to maintain academic rigor, responsiveness, and operational excellence.
Inclusive perspectives and health equity: We honor diverse personal and professional backgrounds, cultivating an online community where every voice is valued while preparing health professionals to advance health equity in the communities they serve.
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