Former UHC health education coordinator, Lesley Eicher joins health sciences faculty

By: Caroline Whitlow
Creative Services Student Writer

Lesley Eicher has over two decades of experience in sexuality education.  While she is new as full time faculty to the health sciences department, she has performed numerous roles at JMU.  Eicher worked in the University Health Center for six years as the health education coordinator and taught courses in human sexuality, community health, population health determinants, and health education and facilitation.

Eicher graduated with a B.S. in social work from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.Ed. in human sexuality education from Widener University.    She also holds a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential and from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing and a sexuality education certification from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. 

This semester, Eicher has over 400 students in Health 100 and Health 150.  In each of her courses, Eicher infuses social justice perspectives with the general curriculum to provide an inclusive and comprehensive approach.

Eicher’s past research includes a study on the correlation between relationship status and sexual behavior, as well as a comparison of sexuality education programs across the country. .  While she values research, she is thrilled to be primarily working in the classroom.

“I’m very excited that the only thing I have to think about is teaching,” said Eicher.  “And I can’t wait to get to know and work with all 430 of my students.”

Q & A

What is your favorite guilty pleasure food? Ice cream.  Chocolate.  Definitely.

Dog or cat person?  I am a dog and cat person.  We have one of each, and I do not have loyalty to either one.  I show their pictures in all of my classes.

What is your favorite JMU tradition? Opening doors for everybody.  It’s something that happens specifically on this campus.  When I go off campus and somebody doesn’t open the door for me, it throws me off.

What advice would you offer to 20-year-old you?  Pursue what you’re passionate about.  Because in the end, that is what will feed you and  keep you going.