Student bodies, past and present

J Am Coll Health. 2011;59(6):464-9. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2011.562579.

Abstract

This article examines how the field of college health has evolved over time to address the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. The central argument is that college and university health programs developed in conjunction with shifting standards of medical care and public health practices in the United States. The author reviews the role of college health programs as public health agencies for campus communities, and describes contemporary public health challenges facing college campuses. She shows how the history of college health is intertwined with the history of diversity in higher education. In particular, the author outlines how the growth of health services made higher education accessible to women, racial minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Health Services Accessibility / history
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / history
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services / history*
  • Minority Health / history*
  • Persons with Disabilities / history*
  • Students / history*
  • United States
  • Universities / history*