Faculty/Staff Information

Shawn Sellers

She, her, hers

Instructional Faculty, Health & Exercise Science

Why I chose WOU

Teaching at WOU allows me to invest in the same communities that shaped me. I chose WOU because of its commitment to preparing reflective, relationship-centered educators who serve Oregon schools and communities. My background in prevention, public health, and school health programming informs my teaching, helping future educators connect evidence-based practice with real classroom applications. This is both personal and professional.

At WOU since

09/29/2008

Hobbies

I am a parent to two teenagers and a grandparent to twins. Family keeps me grounded and reminds me daily why this work matters. When I’m not teaching, grading, or reviewing grants, you’ll usually find me crocheting, reading something interesting, or laughing with friends. I’m a firm believer that karaoke belongs in adulthood, that dive bars have the best stories, and that Halloween is not a casual holiday — it’s a commitment. Creativity, connection, fun are just as important to me!

Fun fact

I unapologetically play Pokémon video games and firmly believe prevention science and Pokémon strategy have more in common than people think — preparation, long-term planning, and understanding risk factors matter in both.

Hometown

Salem

Favorite book/movie

I’m far too eclectic to claim a single favorite book or movie. My shelves include murder mysteries, dystopian novels, biographies, history, historical fiction, and the occasional deep dive into public health histories. If a story explores human behavior, systems, ethics, or how societies respond to crisis, I’m interested. I also unapologetically read spoilers — I prefer informed emotional investment and would rather know the ending is worth my time.

Office Hours

Mon	Tues	Weds	Thurs	Fri

https://calendar.app.google/CnQrb8SmCWgiWZhE8

Classes Taught

Course	Title	Location	Days	Times
HE 520	HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS	RWEC 208	--T-R--	1200-1350
HE 351	SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAMS ELEM	RWEC 208	-M-W---	1400-1550
HE 366	ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & OTHER DRUGS	ONLINE CRS	-------	-
HE 420	HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS	RWEC 208	--T-R--	1200-1350

Education

I hold a Master of Education in Health Promotion from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Community Services from WOU. I am a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), and Certified in Public Health (CPH), reflecting my commitment to evidence-based practice in both education and prevention science.

Professional experience

My professional experience spans community prevention, public health systems, and higher education. Prior to and alongside my faculty role, I worked in county health and prevention settings managing federal and state grant programs focused on substance use prevention, tobacco prevention, and youth coalition development. I have coordinated community partnerships, implemented evidence-based prevention strategies, and supported rural coalitions in strategic planning and compliance with federal funding requirements. I also serve as a state and national grant reviewer for agencies including SAMHSA, the CDC, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. This work involves evaluating prevention initiatives across the country and applying rigorous review standards to ensure alignment with best practices and prevention science. These experiences inform my teaching by grounding coursework in real-world policy, funding structures, and community-level implementation.

Awards and honors

Pastega Award Nominee for Excellence in Teaching, 2023–2024 Pastega Award Nominee for Excellence in Teaching, 2022–2023 Pastega Award Nominee for Excellence in Teaching, 2021–2022 Institution Faculty/Staff of the Year, National Residence Hall Honorary, 2015–2016

Professional memberships

Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) Oregon Public Health Association – Addictions & Prevention Specialists (APS) Learning Committee National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) – Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon – Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) National Board of Public Health Examiners – Certified in Public Health (CPH)

What will you do and learn in my courses

In my courses, students learn to apply prevention science and public health principles to real-world educational settings. They analyze current health data, examine systems and policy influences, and design standards-aligned, developmentally appropriate lessons for K–12 students. Students develop practical skills in assessment, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making while learning to confidently address complex topics such as mental health, substance use prevention, and sexuality education. They leave prepared to translate evidence-based practice into meaningful classroom instruction that supports student health and resilience.

Teaching Focus

My focus areas include comprehensive school health education, prevention science, substance use prevention, mental and emotional health promotion, sexuality education, trauma-informed practice, and standards-aligned curriculum design.

Grad courses taught

HE 520 Healthy Relationships

Undergrad courses taught

Western Oregon University HE 351 – School Health Programs (Elementary/Middle) HE 366 – Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs HE 367 – Human Sexuality HE 391 – Stress Management HE 418 – Women’s Health Issues HE 420 – Healthy Relationships Chemeketa Community College HE 151 – Alcohol and Other Drugs HE 209 – Human Sexuality HE 213 – Women’s Health Issues HPE 295 – Health and Fitness for Life University of Nevada, Las Vegas PBH 170 (formerly HED 170) – Advanced First Aid/CPR

Publications

My professional work includes invited service as a state and national grant reviewer and contributions to public health advisory initiatives. I have presented at the Comic Arts Conference in San Diego, examining public health concepts through popular media, including analyses of Y: The Last Man and The Walking Dead. My presentations explore themes such as disease, wellness, and social determinants of health, reflecting my interest in connecting prevention science and public health frameworks to culture and storytelling.

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