HES NEWS

The Department of Health and Exercise Science was selected to participate in the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP), which recognizes departments that offer curricula tailored to train students for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exams. We are the only ERP recognized CPT program in Oklahoma and are one of only two CSCS programs in the state. Because of this recognition, our students qualify for a $50 discount on the exam registration fees.  The NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exams will be offered on the University of Oklahoma campus on December 16, 2007. 

Other news:

• Pauline Stockdale retired from the university and HES after nearly 40 years of service on June 30, 2007. Congratulations and best wishes in retirement.

• Dr. Laurette Taylor stepped down as department chair effective June 30, 2007 and will be on sabbatical for the Fall 2007 semester.

• Dr. Travis Beck, PhD – University of Nebraska, will join the department as a new Assistant Professor in August, 2007.

• Dr. Debra Bemben and Dr. Mike Bemben received Outstanding Faculty Awards from the OU Student Association during the Spring 07 Faculty Awards Ceremony.

• Eric Ryan received the HES Doctoral Student Research Award 2006-07.

• HES students were awarded the top prizes in division for Education and the Professions at the Graduate College’s 2007 Graduate Research Poster Session.  The winners were Ian Palmer (PhD student - 1st place), Murat Karabulut (PhD student – 2nd place), and Vanessa Sherk (MS student – 3rd place)

• Vanessa Sherk and Trent Herda shared the G. Michael Sims Graduate Merit Scholarship for 2006-07, which honors an HES Master of Science student for outstanding academic performance.

• Sarah Boyer received the 2006-07 Mary Anne Price Merit Scholarship, which honors an HES undergraduate student for outstanding academic performance.

• Ashley Meiers was the first recipient of the Virginia Morris scholarship, which honorsundergraduatestudent who most exhibits excellence in scholarship and the desire to pursue a career as a school or community educator.