Division of Pre-Health celebrates its new home

SHARP Hall is more than just a place to study. Students can gather in the Student Center, collaborate in the Group Study Room, connect across generations in the Peer Mentoring Room, or meet with faculty in a dedicated Graduate Office. The hall is designed to promote academic success, mentorship, and personal well-being, creating a space that nurtures both learning and a sense of community for students on campus. 

When students need a break from studying, the Zen Den provides a calm, quiet space to unwind with a unique twist: live reptiles. The snakes and other reptiles, safely kept in aquariums, are used strictly for educational purposes.  “They are only seen during scheduled educational sessions,” explained Amanda Kaatz, associate director of the division and a 2021 biology graduate with herpetology research experience. “When the Zen Den is being used for relaxation or stress management, the snakes are not visible.” 

During the grand opening, students and faculty had the chance to interact with the reptiles, with Division of Pre-Health Director Melissa Tafoya holding one of the snakes for a hands-on demonstration.

The Division of Pre-Health, established in March 2024 to better support and serve the growing population of pre-health students at La Sierra University, has spent its first year and a half building programs and resources for La Sierra's growing community of pre-health students. In its inaugural year, the division launched initiatives to promote student development, build community, and strengthen partnerships with healthcare institutions. Over the year, it hosted 11 professional development workshops and three Lunch and Learn sessions, many in collaboration with other departments across campus. 

One highlight was the annual Pre-Health EXPO in collaboration with Career Services, which brought representatives from numerous health programs to campus. The division also led its first Global Health Symposium in spring 2025, in collaboration with Loma Linda University and Pacific Union College, giving students opportunities to engage in dialogue about the future of global health.

Throughout the year, the division gives students access to personalized academic and career advising, application support, committee letters through the Division of Pre-Health Recommendation Committee, consultations with admissions representatives, and guidance through priority admissions agreements with partner schools. It has also sponsored or co-sponsored six student-led pre-health clubs, hosted initiatives like Pre-Health 101 for new students, and provided academic recovery resources, all demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive student support.

"SHARP Hall provides students with both a literal and symbolic home on campus.” – Dr. Melissa Tafoya, Director, Division of Pre-Health

The division has also been active in outreach to prospective students through AVID Days, campus tours, high school fairs, community presentations, and information tables at local events. Strategic meetings with universities and health professional schools across Southern California have strengthened relationships and expanded opportunities for current and prospective students, with plans to extend these efforts across California and neighboring states.

“The purpose of SHARP Hall is to serve as a centralized space where pre-health students can study, relax, connect with peers, and receive academic support and mentoring,,” said Tafoya. “It is designed for both convenience and community-building. SHARP Hall brings together essential academic and social resources while also offering guidance related to La Sierra University and graduate health programs. In essence, SHARP Hall provides students with both a literal and symbolic home on campus.”

The division has already hosted its first symposium for the 2025-2026 academic year, in collaboration with Pathway Adelante, themed “A Vision for Tomorrow: A Symposium for the New Generation of Healthcare Professionals.” It plans to expand its programming and strengthen partnerships with healthcare institutions, while continuing to maintain workshops, symposiums, and community building events to prepare students for careers in the healthcare field. With SHARP Hall now open, students have a dedicated space to study, connect with peers, and even take a break in the Zen Den to say hello to the resident reptiles.