Henry N. Young, an associate professor in the College of Pharmacy, strives to create learning experiences that help students discover and construct knowledge for themselves.
Where did you earn degrees and what are your current responsibilities at UGA?
I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Florida, Gainesville and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis. Currently, I am an associate professor in the UGA College of Pharmacy’s clinical and administrative pharmacy department, and the director of the pharmacy care administration graduate program.
When did you come to UGA and what brought you here?
I came to UGA in the summer of 2013. Previously, I lived in Madison, Wisconsin. I relocated to Georgia for family reasons. The opportunity to conduct research and teach at a great university was the reason that brought me to the university.
What are your favorite courses and why?
One of my favorite courses is “Social Behavioral Theory in Health Care” (PHRM 8610). I really enjoy this course because we critically review and apply social and behavioral science theories, methodologies, and research to problems in health care, health behavior and the use of prescription and nonprescription medications.
What interests you about your field?
My research interests focus on medication use, health communication and health outcomes, with a special interest in improving health services for underserved and minority populations. The overall theme of my work focuses on helping patients use medications safely and appropriately to improve their quality of life. I really enjoy my research because it allows me to incorporate ideas from a variety of disciplines such as psychology, sociology, public health and medicine.
What are some highlights of your career at UGA?
Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the UGA New Faculty Tour. The tour exposed me to the rich culture and history of the state of Georgia. I also made awesome connections with brilliant UGA faculty from across campus. These new connections have led to exciting new research projects.
How does your research or scholarship inspire your teaching, and vice versa?
My research examines methods to improve patient care and findings from my studies supplement materials that I use for class. Conversely, many of the ideas brought up in classroom discussions lead to questions that drive cutting-edge research.
What do you hope students gain from their classroom experience with you?
Teaching is a privilege and a great responsibility. The privilege involves touching people’s lives in ways that strive to improve their well-being. The responsibility deals with the charge of creating experiences that help learners discover and construct knowledge for themselves. My teaching centers on my belief that students must be engaged actively in the educational process in order to promote deep understanding and produce learning. I incorporate this belief into my classroom and mentoring activities by fostering discussion, independent and/or group research, exchanging expertise between classmates, and having students perform tasks with consequences. My goal is to move students beyond knowledge gains to develop skills and critical reasoning.
Describe your ideal student
My ideal student is an inquisitive, active learner who has a desire to succeed.
Favorite place to be/thing to do on campus is…
I really enjoy walking through the Trial Gardens.
Beyond the UGA campus, I like to…
I like spending time with my family and playing golf.
Community/civic involvement includes….
I am a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Favorite book/movie?
My favorite book is “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss. I love reading that book to my daughters and hope that it encourages them to always keep an open mind.
Proudest moment at UGA?
After my first year, one of my students said I made a big difference in her education and that she was so excited that I was here at UGA.
