Division of Physical Education

The Physical Education Division (PED) is an integral part of the Kinesiology and Health Education Department curriculum. This program is based on the premise that human movement development reaching an individual’s maximum physical potential will result in social, emotional and intellectual growth.

The PED offers courses such as conditioning, competitive sports and self-defense in skill levels ranging from basic to advanced for faculty, staff and students. Participants will be physically educated and acquire the motor skills and knowledge to perform a variety of physical activities. This creates an intrinsic motivation to pursue a healthy lifestyle in an increasingly changing society.

The Importance of an Active Lifestyle

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and numerous other independent researchers clearly demonstrate that physical activity has positive impacts. Regular exercise will increase learning, enhance self-esteem, and improve overall health. Physical Education is essential to achieve these outcomes.

All 230 courses promote the opportunity for vigorous exercise and fitness education. By participating in courses that promote physical activity, enrolled students will gain a greater understanding of the benefits of regular physical activity. They will learn some specific methods of accomplishing personal goals as they relate to health and fitness.

In supporting 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.

Courses

KIN 106C & KIN 119 courses are physical activity courses provided on an elective basis and are offered to students, faculty and staff. Hours earned by taking physical activity courses may be counted in the lower-division hours required for a degree as approved in the degree programs of the various colleges and schools.

Courses options include swimming, dance, tennis, basketball, volleyball and a wide variety of conditioning courses like yoga, weight training and aerobics.

Those classes not designated for men or for women are coeducational and may be selected by both men and women.

The meeting times listed in the Course Schedule include any time necessary prior to and following the activity period of one hour.

The classification beginning or basic indicates that the instruction will be based on the assumption that the students enrolled have very little or no prior formal instruction or equivalent experience in the activity. To qualify for an intermediate or advanced-level course, a student must have completed a semester or the equivalent of beginning- or intermediate-level instruction, respectively.

Students with health problems or other limitations on physical activity should consult with the medical staff of the Student Health Center. They can provide a health grade classification and advice regarding participation in physical activity courses.

Search the Undergraduate Catalog for courses

Faculty

Kimberly A Beckwith

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Teaches courses on sport history and strength and conditioning. Research focuses on physical culture history.

Jason Chartouni

Assistant Professor of Practice

Teaches Karate and Self defense courses. Specializes in the striking arts.

Nick Enge

Senior Lecturer

Researches and teaches social dances from the 19th century to the present.

Erik Gnagy

Clinical Assistant Professor

Specializes in behavior, sports performance, and decision making in golf; teaches golf and courses need to be certified in physical education.

Courtney Hill

Assistant Professor of Practice

Zoe Mantarakis

Associate Professor of Practice

Teaches yoga classes as both a physical practice and educational experience.

Nicole K McLagan

Associate Professor of Practice

Teaches courses in cardiovascular fitness. Ie: Running, aerobic walking, circuit aerobics, and cardiovascular weight training.

Michael Morgan

Assistant Professor of Practice

Geoff B Rich

Assistant Professor of Practice

Studies the culture of youth sports through elementary and secondary physical education curricula, and teacher education.

Galia I Tzvetkov

Associate Professor of Practice

Introduces students to the sport of tennis and studies the history of sport, specifically the evolvement of sports in Eastern Europe since its beginning in ancient Greece and Thrace.

Rachel M Watson

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Directs operations at the Fitness Institute of Texas and manages undergraduate internships.