Health and Human Development

Introduction

The Department of Health and Human Development offers degree programs for students interested in professions related to kinesiology, P-12 physical education and health, public health education, and recreation management and leadership.

Faculty

LINDA A. KEELER (2012) Chair and Professor. BA, Colgate University; MA, University of Maryland; EdD, West Virginia University.
JESSYCA ARTHUR-CAMESELLE (2015) Professor. BS, College of William and Mary; MEd, PhD, Boston University.
STEVE BENNETT (2018) Associate Professor. BFA, Texas State University; MSPH, Tulane University; PhD, University of Minnesota.
LORRAINE BRILLA (1985) Professor. BS, Pennsylvania State University; MS, Pennsylvania State University; PhD, University of Oregon.
RANDALL T. BURTZ (2003) Associate Professor. BA, MA, Washington State University; PhD, Colorado State University.
GORDON CHALMERS (1996) Professor. BS, Simon Fraser University; MS, PhD, University of California-Los Angeles.
KRISTEN E. CHMIELEWSKI (2019) Associate Professor. BA, Knox College; MA, PhD, University of Iowa.
MELISSA D’ELOIA (2015) Associate Professor. BS, Ohio University; MS, PhD, University of Utah.
JASMINE GOODNOW (2013) Professor. BS, Brigham Young University; MS, University of Utah; PhD, University of Utah.
MARY HUNT (2019) Associate Professor. BS, Kansas State University; MS, PhD, University of Arkansas.
YING LI (2006) Professor. BMEd, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University; MS, Zhejiang University; MEd, University of Cincinnati; PhD, University of Florida.
HILLARY ROBEY (2018) Associate Professor, BS, MS, Central Washington University; PhD, University of Northern Colorado.
NATHAN J. ROBEY (2021) Assistant Professor. BS, South Dakota State University; MS, Texas State University; PhD, University of Northern Colorado.
KEITH C. RUSSELL (2008) Professor and Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. BS, Lewis and Clark College; MS, PhD, University of Idaho.
BERNARDO SAN JUAN JR. (2013) Professor. BS, University of Philippines; MA, San Diego State University; PhD, University of Oregon.
DAVID N. SUPRAK (2008) Professor. BS, Eastern Washington University; MS, Western Washington University; PhD, University of Oregon.
NICK WASHBURN (2017) Associate Professor. BS, MS, Cortland State University; PhD, University of Alabama.

Affiliated Teaching Faculty

DEB HENRICHS (2001) Senior Instructor. BA, Western Washington University; MS, Western Washington University.
LINDSAY POYNTER (2010) Senior Instructor. BA, Western Washington University; MA, Naropa University.

Facilities

For students in the kinesiology and physical education programs, exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories in the new state-of-the-art Carver Academic Facility afford students an opportunity for in-depth study in the exercise sciences and health assessment as applied to health and sports science. Considerable practical experience using laboratory and computerized equipment enables students to develop skills in cardiorespiratory, anthropometric, strength and movement analysis, and health appraisals.

In the Public Health and Recreation Management and Leadership programs, our laboratories are our shared common spaces in the Carver Academic Facility, dedicated classrooms, and the communities with which we work. Through a variety of service learning opportunities, retreats, field experiences, and internships, students are provided hands-on experiences with qualified professionals and leading organizations in the recreation and allied health field to help solve real-world problems and develop critical professional skills.

Major Programs

Kinesiology and Physical Education

The major programs are varied and include undergraduate student preparation for careers as professional physical and health educators, and undergraduate and graduate kinesiology options. Kinesiology degree completion prepares students for clinical or research graduate school programs or for careers as health fitness instructors in agencies, schools, industries, hospitals and health care facilities. Students are expected to perform community service in all programs. The specializations offered include the following:

Graduate Programs

Major application and declaration policy

WWU students with at least 75 credits completed and a GPA of at least 2.5 may apply to enter one of the three specializations in the Kinesiology major. For application process or above links to specific major programs for instructions on how to apply: chss.wwu.edu/hhd/major-application-and-declaration-procedures.

Kinesiology and Physical Education Mid-Program Checkpoint

Students seeking to complete a BAE degree in teacher education P-12 physical education and health or a BS in kinesiology within a four-year time span should have completed the following courses by the start of their junior year:

All General University Requirements (GURs)
BIOL 101 or BIOL 205 ; and BIOL 348 preferred

NOTE: The teacher education P-12 option requires a 4½-year commitment, which includes a one-semester student teaching internship. Students must meet the minimum entry requirements of the Woodring College of Education before being considered for admission to the P-12 physical education and health program. Students should first declare a pre-major in this specialization in order to register for required pre-major classes and then apply for entry into the P-12 physical education and health program during the fall quarter of their junior year while they are enrolled in pre-major courses. Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications of the Woodring College of Education cannot apply to be considered for entry into the P-12 physical education and health program.

NOTE: The Kinesiology major requires careful planning if students are to complete the degree in a four-year period. If you are interested in this major consult with the Kinesiology web page for advice on classes to take before becoming a major.

Public Health

Public Health is a discipline with roots in the behavioral sciences of psychology, sociology, social psychology, and anthropology; the biological sciences; and education. Students graduate from the program thoroughly versed and practiced as public health professionals and are prepared to succeed on the Certified Health Education Specialist qualifying exam (www.nchec.org/).

The Public Health major is a good fit for students who want to work in community, public, population, and global health; health communication; governmental and non-profit agencies and organizations; medical care settings; worksite wellness programs; and college and university student service health programs. It can also serve as preparatory program for graduate or post-baccalaureate study in Public Health and related areas.

Degree Information

Public Health, BS

There are two steps to becoming a Public Health major:

Step 1, Pre-Major Application:
Students interested in applying to the major should first pre-major in Public Health. This allows students access to entry-level courses.

Step 2, Major Application:
Pre-majors must apply for admission to the major by early April.

See Jen Leita, HHD Advising Coordinator, for more information on signing up as a pre-major and applying to the major.

Please note: As a Public Health major, you must maintain a 2.50 GPA in all major courses to enroll in the required full-time internship at the end of the program of study.

Recreation Management and Leadership

The curriculum in Recreation Management and Leadership offers generalist preparation for a wide range of career positions within:

Community Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation
Outdoor Recreation
Sustainable Tourism

The Phase

In addition to its philosophy of professional study based in principles of liberal education, Recreation Management and Leadership features an innovative phased curriculum. “The Phase” is a four-part sequence of courses which students typically enter in the spring of their sophomore year and finish the fall of their senior year. Approximately 60 students enter and complete the four blocks of phases together as a community of learners. This arrangement has many advantages, especially:

A supportive community of fellow students, faculty, and alumni
A variety of learning environments such as overnight retreats, field experiences, and professional conferences
Greater access to faculty and comprehensive advising
A growing alumni network throughout the state, region, and nation

Degree Information

Recreation Management and Leadership, BA

Students seeking to complete a BA degree in Recreation Management and Leadership within a four-year time span should have made normal progress toward the GUR requirements and should apply for admission to the major during fall quarter of their sophomore year. Junior and senior-level students are also welcome to apply.

Interested students should contact Jen Leita, HHD Advising Coordinator, for current information on the application process and for more information about the major.

The Recreation Management and Leadership major and its Therapeutic Recreation Concentration are nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Undergraduate Minor

Graduate

Courses

Coaching Development

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Kinesiology

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400, 500 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Physical Activity

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Physical Education

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

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