Message from the Executive Director

Dear Students,

Welcome (and welcome back) to the Forest! As you settle into the rhythm of campus life — balancing rigorous academics, social commitments and personal growth — I want to take a moment to remind you that your health is the foundation of your success.

At Deacon Health, our mission is to provide more than just medical treatment. We are here to be your partners in holistic wellness. We recognize that being a student today comes with unique pressures, and our team is committed to evolving alongside your needs.

Our Commitment to You

To ensure you have the best possible experience this year, we have enhanced several key areas of our services:

• Integrated Care: We continue to bridge the gap between physical health and mental wellbeing, offering streamlined referrals to the University Counseling Center and specialized wellness coaching.
• Accessible Technology: You can manage your health through our portal — schedule appointments, message your provider and access immunization records, lab results and appointment verification with ease.
• Hours: To better accommodate your busy schedule, we have optimized our clinic hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday during the academic year. During summer sessions, we are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. We also maintain an after-hours nurse advice line for medical concerns.

A Shared Responsibility

A healthy campus community depends on all of us. I encourage you to take proactive steps: Stay current on your vaccinations, prioritize sleep and, most importantly, stay home and reach out to us if you are feeling unwell. We are located in the Wellbeing Center, and our doors are open to every student, regardless of background or health history. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, confidential space to seek care. There is no charge for an evaluation; minimal fees for prescriptions, lab work and X-rays may apply.

On behalf of our entire team of certified medical providers, nurses and administrative staff, I wish you a vibrant, healthy and fulfilling semester. We are honored to be part of your journey.

In health,

Cathy Higginbotham, MHA, BSN, RN
Executive Director, Deacon Health