Division of Physical Education

The Physical Education Division (PED) is an integral part of the Kinesiology and Health Education Department curriculum whose basic premise that through human movement development of an individual’s maximum physical potential and their related social, emotional and intellectual growth will result. Faculty, staff and students as a result of their participation in the program will be physically educated, acquire motor skills to perform a wide variety of physical activities, physical fitness knowledge, and intrinsic motivation to pursue a health lifestyle in an increasingly changing society.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and numerous other independent researchers clearly demonstrate that consistent physical activity increases learning, enhances self-esteem, and improves health. Physical Education is essential to achieve these outcomes.

Underlying all the 230 yearly course offerings is the opportunity for vigorous physical activity with emphasis on health-related components of fitness. Enrolled students are exposed to a curriculum wherein they have a greater understanding of the benefits of regular physical activity and some specific methods of accomplishing personal goals as they relate to health and fitness.

In direct support of the mission of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, the Division seeks to enhance the quality of life of the general public through research, instruction, and service in the areas of health, exercise, and sport. To this end the Division provides an avenue for highly qualified faculty and teaching assistants to disseminate current research and professional expertise to participants.