Motivated by a desire to help others embrace healthy lifestyles, Quintunya Chapman-Hamilton (BSHP ’16) fell in love with public health during her very first health promotion class at CPH. Now a health educator for the U.S. Army, she provides soldiers with the health and wellness guidance they need to be mission ready.
OCCUPATION:
Health Educator
DEGREES EARNED:
B.S. in Health Promotion; Minor in Exercise Science; Global Health Certificate
GRADUATION YEAR: 2016
YOUR HOME: Colorado Springs, Colorado
HOMETOWN: Hinesville, Georgia
Why did you choose to study at UGA College of Public Health? How did you know you belonged at UGA CPH?
I chose to study at UGA CPH because, at the time, my student-athlete schedule did not fit with my intentions of going the athletic training or exercise science route. However, I knew I belonged at UGA CPH because I instantly fell in love my very first health promotion class, Intro to Public Health. I knew then that I would find my purpose in public health.
What’s your favorite UGA CPH memory?
My favorite memory is being granted the opportunity to be the student speaker at my CPH Commencement Ceremony.
Tell us about an important mentor you have had.
At the time, she was never really pronounced as my mentor, but Dr. Katie Hein was who really piqued my interest in the public health sector as her passion showed through her teaching numerous classes within the program. She made sure that we knew exactly what we were up against when it came to the Athens community and public health in general.
Provide a brief summary of your career since graduation.
Since graduating, I have tried two paths, one as a youth sports program assistant director, and the other as a health educator. I am currently in and committing to the health educator field within the Army Wellness Center providing primary prevention programs to soldiers, retirees, and their families.
What made you choose this profession?
I grew up a military brat so I was always exposed to military culture at an early age. My dad retired when I was in high school, but my high school sweetheart ended up joining the military as well. Once my perspective of the military changed, I realized how much soldiers needed health and wellness guidance to be mission ready.
Where do you work today and what do you do?
I work at the Fort Carson Army Wellness Center in Fort Carson, Colorado. We are an axillary clinic of the local military treatment facility, and I assist in the facilitation of healthy lifestyle programs for all Army affiliated soldiers and their families, retirees, and civilians. The clientele spans ages from young adult to retirees. I work directly with Army units at their respective locations on the installation as well as 1-on-1 appointments with individuals and group health education classes at our Wellness Center. Services we provide are body composition analysis, metabolic assessments, exercise testing, health assessments, weight management, nutrition education, sleep education, stress management education and biofeedback, and general wellness coaching.
What do you find most rewarding about your career working in public health?
The most rewarding aspect of my career is to see the outcome of healthy behavior changes in individuals. Being able to be a part of great success stories of people losing body fat, or going from failing an Army physical training test to passing, or just being able to provide knowledge to individuals who simply have no idea how to be healthy or what it even looks like.
What awards/honors have you received?
I have received several positive client feedback comments, as well as customer service awards from my department.
What additional activities and causes do you enjoy dedicating your time to?
I enjoy spending time with my family, playing volleyball, and going on an occasional hike. I also spend a lot of time furthering my education by obtaining numerous certifications and continuing education credits.
How has your UGA CPH education contributed to your success? What makes alumni of UGA CPH unique?
My UGA CPH education has had a positive impact on my success because of the specificity of the classes and the types of projects and assignments I had to go through in order to get to this point. My professors did a marvelous job in preparing me for a public health career by requiring me to pay attention to those minor details of a community and equipping me with understanding and compassion for the residents. Alumni of UGA CPH are unique because during my time in the college, it was fairly new and slowly but surely gaining in popularity. With Public Health being at its highest of importance during 2020, I am proud to know that my professors and colleagues are at the forefront and providing guidance and solutions, and are more important than ever.
As a donor to CPH (thank you!), please tell us why you give.
I became a CPH donor in order to give back to UGA after giving and providing me so many amazing opportunities. I have my current career now because of CPH and I want to give back in hopes of helping the next best Health Educator waiting for their opportunity in CPH. CPH makes me one proud alumni. Having a recurring gift every quarter makes it easier when life gets busy and to know I am still consistently helping makes me happy.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? What advice do you have for students and recent graduates?
To be great, you have to do small things exceptionally well. My advice to students and recent graduates would be to be completely passionate or nothing at all; whatever you want or decide to do, be passionate, and do it wholeheartedly.
What would you tell a prospective student who was considering UGA CPH?
CPH is as great as you make it when it comes to caring about the community and wanting to help others. Get involved and really making CPH your home makes it worth it and fun.
What is your secret for success?
Hard work and time management; being diligent about what you want to accomplish and seeing it through until it is done.
Do you have a favorite motto?
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must be different.” – Coco Chanel
Who were your early influencers in life? Who inspired you?
My mom and dad were my earliest influencers and have always inspired me to go above and beyond. They have supported literally EVERYTHING I have ever been interested in and have always been there to provide their words of wisdom or encouragement.
Posted on January 14, 2021.
