NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s transition from the Department of Health and Human Performance to the School of Kinesiology reflects the school’s growth and aligns its identity with terminology commonly used throughout the profession.
The University of Louisiana System and the Louisiana Board of Regents approved the name change earlier this year. University officials said the term “kinesiology” more accurately reflects the study of human movement and is more widely recognized by employers, graduate schools and professional organizations.
Haley Blount, assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology, said the new name better aligns Northwestern State with terminology already used throughout the profession.
“The School of Kinesiology is more consistent with the widely recognized terminology used by our peer institutions and employers nationally and internationally,” Blount said. “We’re hoping it’s really going to help students get jobs when they graduate because the term ‘kinesiology’ is more widely recognized in the fields our students are going into.”
While the school’s name has changed, degree requirements, faculty, courses and student pathways remain the same. University officials said the transition reflects the school’s existing academic focus rather than a change in curriculum.
In recent years, the school has expanded its academic offerings with the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management, a minor in coaching and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. The school is expanding its graduate offerings with a proposed doctoral concentration in Human Performance.
Janiel Moore, a graduate assistant in the School of Kinesiology pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Administration, said her assistantship has provided opportunities beyond the classroom.
“I get to work with Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith on her nutrition and physical activity program for older adults,” Moore said. “That’s an amazing opportunity because it relates to grants and overseeing a grant, and that’s going to look really good on a résumé.”
Moore said the School of Kinesiology exposes students to a variety of career paths.
“You get a lot of opportunities to pursue careers in athletics, whether you want to be an occupational therapist, athletic trainer or pursue sport business,” Moore said. “I would say this school makes it possible.”
The School of Kinesiology offers undergraduate programs in Health and Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education, Grades K-12, and Sport and Recreation Management. Graduate students can pursue concentrations in Sport Administration, Public Health and Exercise Science.
Lalaina Wood, a senior Sport and Recreation Management major, said she has seen the transition to the School of Kinesiology firsthand through her involvement with the program.
“I’ve been involved in numerous organizations, including the Health and Human Performance Leadership Club, and I’m an ambassador for the School of Kinesiology,” Wood said. “Last week, I went on a radio show with Dr. Lauren Mitchell and some other students to help get our name out there.”
Wood said she believes the new name will help prospective students better recognize the program.
“I feel like the change will bring more students in because ‘kinesiology’ is more universally known,” Wood said. “You’ll be able to get real-life experience. You’re going in the gym, you’re seeing what muscles work and you’re seeing how to do these certain things.”
Additional information about the School of Kinesiology is available at www.nsula.edu.