THINK Human Sexuality
DR. KELLY WELCH is an assistant professor in the School of Family Studies and Human Services at Kansas State University. She is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), and her teaching and research background includes human development, sexuality, and marriage and family. Her knowledge in lifespan development and intimate relationships provides a fresh voice and unique approach–because of her expertise in areas such as love, intimacy, interpersonal relationships, and communication, she ably presents a holistic approach to the study of sexuality, an approach that recognizes that sex and sexuality encompass so much more than body parts and the acts of sex alone. Prior to her work at Kansas State University, Dr. Welch served her community as a Women’s and Maternal Health Specialist, and devoted her time to serving at-risk impoverished women in their childbearing years. Her work in community clinics is evident as she sensitively describes diversity issues, men’s and women’s anatomy and physiology, changes associated with male and female puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, contraception options, and sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. Her long-term goal is to open similar clinics in Ethiopia, where fetal and maternal outcomes are dismal. Dr. Welch is the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Presidential Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching, and she has been recognized by the Pew Foundation for her cutting-edge “hands-on, minds-on” pedagogy and course design. Her many awards and nominations recognize her distinct, innovative, and energetic teaching style–a style students say puts them on the edge of their seats. As you thumb through this book, you will find a voice that is simultaneously informative and rigorous, humorous and entertaining, and always compassionate and heartfelt. Dr. Welch brings your students the most current, relevant information and presents a candid, sensitive, inclusive, nonjudgmental balance of research and “real life.” It is her hope that you find this to be a natural partner to your course, and that your students discover a resource to help them make informed decisions about their sexuality. Dr. Welch’s previous works include,“Development: Journey of a Lifetime,” “Development: Journey through Childhood and Adolescence,” and “Family Life Now.”