Less than a year ago, the Bachelor of Science degree in Child, Family and Community Development (CFCD) was officially launched in the UAH College of Education, and this new program just graduated its first class during the Fall 2023 Commencement. This degree program provides opportunities for students to work with children, adolescents and their families in a community setting, developing leaders in the field who focus on improving the lives of young children, adolescents and families whether that be through high-quality early care and education programs, non-profit agencies, children’s museums, recreation centers or similar specialized programming. Ciara White completed the Early Learning and Family Relations concentration, and Tamia Knight and Alexis Woods completed the Recreation and Community Leadership concentration.
Ciara White describes her time at UAH as “life changing”. “I was the person who dreaded high school everyday. Coming to UAH changed that for me. I was excited to get to my classes everyday and see what new topic we would be learning.” She specifies, “My favorite part of the CFCD program was that it allowed me the freedom to still pursue my passion of education but not get my teaching certificate. The professors are so supportive and helped me along my educational journey. I feel so prepared for the future.”
Tamia Knight and Alexis Woods both earned a B.S. in Child, Family, and Community Development with a concentration in Recreation and Community Leadership. They were recognized at the Department of Kinesiology's Internship Reception on Dec. 5.
Alexis Woods, a first-generation college graduate, recounts one of her favorite memories during the program was a Family Night hosted at the UAH Early Learning Center: “We broke up into groups to create activities for the children to do at home that would cost them little to nothing to make as well as providing the educational background to why it was important for those activities.”
“My experience in the CFCD program honestly was the best year of my life,” Alexis details. “I had terrific professors across the board who were willing to work with each of us. I had to miss the first 2, almost 3, months of the semester because of a major surgery, and every single professor worked with me consistently to make sure I stayed on top of everything and checked on everyday!"
Dr. Beth Quick, Dean of the College of Education, shares, "I am delighted to offer this relevant and engaging degree which equips effective leaders who will be at the front line of advocating for, serving and empowering children, youth and families. We are confident our alumni will play a vital role in shaping a strong and better future in the lives of those whom they serve."
Ciara interned at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley and has been hired full-time as their Match Support Specialist. Alexis plans to play basketball at Samford University in Birmingham and pursue a masters degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Business.
