WCU Stories      June 1, 2020

The Mountain Area Health Education Center recently hosted 12 students from Western Carolina University's Master of Science in Human Resources Program for a mutually beneficial collaboration.

The students served as pro bono consultants — working virtually to maintain social distance protocols — to create innovative plans to address several MAHEC needs and goals, including developing more progressive role descriptions and creating a high-level of engagement to attract and retain top talent.

"The students did a phenomenal job," said Marie-Line Germain, associate professor of human resources and leadership. "One of the projects was a well-researched study, resulting in a client-centered and easy-on-the-eyes report on becoming a great place to work."

MAHEC is an Asheville-based family care provider and, as a part of the University of North Carolina System, trains physicians and health professionals with a goal toward increasing health care availability throughout the rural communities of Western North Carolina. Associated programs include residency programs in Asheville and Hendersonville, rural fellowships, clinical training for health sciences students, specialized tele-health training for rural providers and a state-of-the-art medical simulation center.

For more information about MAHEC, go to mahec.net or call 828-257-4000. For more information on the Master of Science in Human Resources Program and WCU HR Consulting Initiative, contact Germain at 828-227-3959 or mgermain@wcu.edu.