About

An overview and description of the Health, Exercise, and Sports Studies department at Denison University.

Improving Physical and Mental Well-being for Future Generations

Health, Exercise and Sport Study is a liberal arts approach to the blended undergraduate study of physical medicine, exercise science and sporting culture theory that is both intellectually challenging and unique.

The major is especially apt for students who are interested in careers such as physical therapy, sports medicine, sports management, public health and exercise science. The curriculum offers exciting opportunities for students to broaden their knowledge and connect it to their experiences in and out of the classroom as they prepare for their desired professions.

As each student progresses through the major, they will work with a faculty mentor to help them to prepare a plan that will link their coursework to their professional goals. This plan will guide the student through their senior year project, the culmination of the curriculum. The project connects the students’ educational experiences to their early career goals.

In the health, exercise and sport study major, students will explore the dynamic relationship between the structure and the function of the body within a competitive context. They will be prepared exceptionally well for their career goals, including medical school.

Mission Statement

The Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies department is a community in which students become emerging practitioners within the field. Student practitioners who are nurtured through intellectual challenge, mentorship, and experience. Critical consumers of knowledge confident in their ability to comprehend how biological, psychological, sociohistorical factors impact human physical capacity. Emerging practitioners who carefully utilize this comprehension to explore the methods by which social structures and personal factors are altered to achieve adaptations consistent with human dignity and elevated physical capacity.

Departmental Guidelines

Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies originates within the tradition of physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as community and individual well-being. The study of physical exercise explores the relationships between the structure of the body and its function. The study of sport seeks to examine the pervasive social institution of sport from a variety of perspectives, applying theory to the experience of the individual, the community, and the sport context. The interaction of these areas provides students with the opportunity to holistically explore how humans exist in the physical world.

Spotlights

James Baker greeted Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy at the airport in Perth, Australia after she returned from Paris.

The Denison alum behind pole-vaulting gold

James Baker ’20 helped an Australian pole vaulter soar to Olympic gold. The lessons he learned in the HESS program set him up for success.

Exploring what it means to be an athletic trainer

HESS major Jay Branch ’24 is leveraging lots of opportunities to explore his future career.

Big Red swimmer’s winning attitude leads to medical research

John Stauffer's competitive spirit propelled his excellence in sports and the classroom.

Peter McManus ’20, pursuing doctorate in physical therapy

HESS graduate Peter McManus ’20 is at Northwestern University, pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

Q & A with Neal Austria ’20, athletic training at U. Michigan

HESS grad Neal Austria shares his journey to the University of Michigan's football program.

Photo of the 2015-16 Champion Big Red women's basketball team

Q & A with Val Province '19, clinical research coordinator

HESS grad Val Province shares her journey to the Cleveland Clinic as a clinical research coordinator.

Abby standing in front of Nationwide Arena

Abby Scully '21, event specialist with Columbus Blue Jackets

HESS grad Abby Scully shares her reflections on her directed study that led the way to her first job with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Photo of Maddox helping a football player

Q & A with Alison Maddox '19, athletic trainer with Arizona State

HESS grad Alison Maddox shares her path to become the athletic trainer for the Beach Volleyball Team at Arizona State University.

Denison Magazine

Pedagogy perfected

Denison's Teaching Seminar introduces relevant teaching topics, stimulates discussion within the group, and builds community for new faculty members.

Taka Higuchi '20 celebrating commencement

The Value of Empathy

As a patient care assistant in a children’s hospital Taka Higuchi ‘20 provides a welcoming and calming presence at the start of an anxiety-filled day.