The increase of chronic disease in the United States has created a strong demand for health education specialists (HESs) who are trained to facilitate behavioral, environmental and policy changes through program implementation and evaluation. However, it is difficult for colleges and universities to prepare future health educators to be competent in such skills by classroom methods alone. Moreover, by utilizing the skills and talents of university students there is the opportunity to improve the resources and services available in the community. This paper describes how a Midwestern, public university met this challenge by developing a "hub model." Through the creation of this model over a five year time period, over 7,000 people were educated on chronic disease prevention, more than 800 individuals received screening mammograms or clinical breast exams, and dozens of cancer survivors received supplemental survivorship services. Colleges and universities through the United States involved in preparing health education specialists should consider replicating this model/center and applying the lessons learned by the authors.