Overview
Kinesiology is the study of anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of human movement. The Department of Kinesiology offers programs in both Exercise Science and Physical Education. Majors will be prepared to pursue a broad array of graduate programs and careers opportunities.
The exercise science major provides a foundation to pursue careers in a variety of areas including cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, personal training, and group exercise instruction. Students may also use the exercise science major, along with specific elective courses, to prepare for graduate-level training in health-related fields or exercise physiology. Elective courses can be chosen to reflect the interests, goals, and curiosities of each student.
Physical Education majors will complete courses in methodology, first aid, human anatomy and physiology, and adapted physical education. Students majoring in physical education may apply for secondary or K-12 teaching licensure, which will require completing additional courses offered in the Educational Studies Department
Equipment/Facilities
In addition to the facilities at the Huff Athletic Center, we have a variety of equipment available for laboratory activities and student research in exercise science. This includes a Biopac Exercise Physiology software and data acquisition system, Monark Erogmedic 828E cycle ergometer, treadmill, InBody 230 multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance body composition analyzer, blood glucose analyzer, heart rate monitors, pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes, and Lange skinfold calipers. We have the capability to perform exercise and health related measures that include detailed body composition testing, indirect VO2 max testing, reaction time, EMG measurement, basic EKG measurement, blood pressure, heart rate responses, blood oxygen saturation, and blood glucose concentration.
The Huff Athletic Center, which opened in the fall of 2003, is a comprehensive facility for sports, fitness and recreation. The $22 million, 155,000-square-foot complex is built around the college’s original 1925 gymnasium and the more recent Glennie Gymnasium. Named in memory of Elizabeth Huff, whose husband, Walter ’56, provided major funding for the facility, the Huff Athletic Center is located at the heart of campus and is open daily to members of the campus community.
A large addition to the west contains a natatorium with eight-lane competition pool, a steam room and sauna, and a multipurpose fieldhouse with a 200-meter track. The track, which is covered with a durable Mondo surface, was given in memory of Charles H. Niblock ’24. The infield space accommodates jumping and throwing events, as well as practice areas for basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer and baseball.
The original gymnasium has been transformed into a modern fitness complex, complete with the latest cardio/aerobic machines, free weights and a rock climbing wall. The gym’s former performance stage has been converted to an aerobics and dance studio. Just beyond the original building’s four magnificent limestone columns, which were sensitively retained in the renovation, is a convenient snack bar. George and Maxine Trotter, 1947 graduates, provided the naming gift for the facility.
The Glennie Gymnasium, originally dedicated in 1983, has been updated with modern stadium-style seating, a new air-handling system and an updated sound system. It is named in honor of Nancy Glennie Beck ’53 and her husband, Larry.
Between the Trotter Fitness Complex and Glennie Gymnasium is a wellness suite, the gift of 1965 graduates Robert and Judith Hodges Tucker. The suite contains the office of the fitness director, a physician’s examining room and a private conference room.
The southeast portion of the athletic center, known as the Byrnes Educational Wing, houses faculty and coaches’ offices, classrooms, conference rooms and work areas. It is named in honor of trustee David Byrnes ’72 and his wife, Libby, who provided the naming gift.
The lower level of the athletic center, which is accessible by elevator or stairs, contains the entrance to the indoor track and additional entrances to Glennie Gymnasium. A number of newly-constructed locker rooms provide comfortable accommodations for approximately 15 varsity teams, as well as visiting teams. Nearby is the spacious Marshall Training Room, named in memory of longtime team doctor James W. Marshall ’36. It is outfitted with whirlpool baths, training tables and various therapeutic devices.
Monmouth's athletic facilities also include a recently refurbished eight-lane all-weather running track and on campus football and softball fields. The baseball and men's and women's soccer teams enjoy playing at Peacock Memorial Athletic Park, the brand-new state-of-the-art, 16.5 acre facility that opened in the Spring of 2000. All facilities are available for college faculty, staff, and students. The college also employs a full-time athletic trainer and a training intern who assists each of the varsity sports teams.
Off-Campus Programs
The department provides ample opportunities for student teaching in area high schools, internships and independent studies at various off-campus agencies.
Graduate School Opportunities
Most department graduates who elect to pursue the graduate degree full time receive assistantships. Recently, two graduates - Mike McNeive and Steve Swanson - both received assistantships at Georgia Southern University. Swanson and Christine Stanton '95 were both NCAA post-graduate scholarship winners.