MICHELE VANCOUR PhD, MPH
Michele is the Director of Faculty Development and professor of public health at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Throughout her fourteen year tenure, her time has been split between administrative and academic responsibilities. She was the founder and director of the University’s Wellness Center for ten years, but stepped down in January 2008 to dedicate more time to developing and improving work-family initiatives on campus in consultation with Human Resources.
She has comprehensive knowledge of work-family issues, having thoroughly reviewed the literature in preparation for several research studies involving academic mothers and fathers, female graduate students, and their role balance and health-promoting behaviors. In particular, the results of her research led to the implementation of several work-family initiatives at SCSU, including the establishment of a lactation support program, creation of policies and guidelines, trainings, courses, and the implementation of a series of work-family conferences.
Annually, Michele teaches a maternal and child health course that focuses on related programs and practices. This course allows her students to examine breastfeeding as a preventive strategy mothers’ and babies. As a result of the topics discussed and explored in class through readings, guest lectures, observations, current events, and videos many of her students pursue internships and additional educational opportunities in the areas of maternal and child health.
Michele is the current president of the College and University Work-Family Association (CUWFA). Previously, as a member of the CUWFA board, she planned two national conferences: one sponsored by Harvard University on their campus, and one sponsored by the University of California—San Diego off campus at a resort. She also created a conference planning guide and continues to serve the conference planning committees in her role as president. CUWFA members repeatedly dialogue about establishing and maintaining lactation rooms and practices on their campuses. Supporting breastfeeding mothers is presently a major focus of most universities work/life initiatives.
Michele is the Director of Faculty Development and professor of public health at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Throughout her fourteen year tenure, her time has been split between administrative and academic responsibilities. She was the founder and director of the University’s Wellness Center for ten years, but stepped down in January 2008 to dedicate more time to developing and improving work-family initiatives on campus in consultation with Human Resources.
She has comprehensive knowledge of work-family issues, having thoroughly reviewed the literature in preparation for several research studies involving academic mothers and fathers, female graduate students, and their role balance and health-promoting behaviors. In particular, the results of her research led to the implementation of several work-family initiatives at SCSU, including the establishment of a lactation support program, creation of policies and guidelines, trainings, courses, and the implementation of a series of work-family conferences.
Annually, Michele teaches a maternal and child health course that focuses on related programs and practices. This course allows her students to examine breastfeeding as a preventive strategy mothers’ and babies. As a result of the topics discussed and explored in class through readings, guest lectures, observations, current events, and videos many of her students pursue internships and additional educational opportunities in the areas of maternal and child health.
Michele is the current president of the College and University Work-Family Association (CUWFA). Previously, as a member of the CUWFA board, she planned two national conferences: one sponsored by Harvard University on their campus, and one sponsored by the University of California—San Diego off campus at a resort. She also created a conference planning guide and continues to serve the conference planning committees in her role as president. CUWFA members repeatedly dialogue about establishing and maintaining lactation rooms and practices on their campuses. Supporting breastfeeding mothers is presently a major focus of most universities work/life initiatives.
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mvancour@breastfeedingct.org |