Year in Review 2016-2017
Bachelor of Science Exercise Science
Welcome
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Reflection can be a tricky process for everyone - students, faculty, and even academic programs. However, reflection provides each of us the opportunity to review who we are, what we stand for, what we are doing well, and what we can do to improve to create the best version of ourselves. One area of improvement that the faculty and staff of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science agree on is the need for stronger relations with our alumni. To this extent, we have prepared this publication to highlight aspects of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science that have occurred over the course of the 2016-2017 academic year. We encourage you to read about the current state of the program and the accomplishments from this past academic year. Thank you. Michael Gallagher, Director
Program Director Michael Gallagher Associate Professor Program Faculty Adam Bruenger Associate Professor Kim Eskola Senior Clinical Instructor Thomas Lowder Assistant Professor
News
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Vital Signs New Curriculum New Faculty Bear Tracks Recognition Presentations Awards Appointments Upcoming Events Alumni Giveaway
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Features
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Alumni Spotlights Alumni Relations Reaching for the STARs Experiential Learning in Bloom Importance of Student Development As We Know It
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Vital Signs
2013
Data provided by Institutional Research and the Department of Exercise and Sport Science
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The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science was the fourth most declared undergraduate major on campus for the 2016-2017 academic year; up from the fifth most declared undergraduate major in 2015-2016.
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2012
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In conjunction with an increase in the number of declared majors, the number of graduates during the academic year are starting to increase as well.
2016
2015
2014
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334
(top) The graduating class of fall 2016. (above) Jonathan Moore with faculty members Adam Bruenger, Thomas Lowder, Mike Gallagher, and Kim Eskola.
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72
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Curriculum
One of the goals of the faculty is to assess and improve upon the curriculum when needed. The program underwent a major change starting with the 2015-2016 bulletin in which courses were removed - EXSS 4310 Methods and Materials for instance - and added to better fit the quality and content of the material the program wants graduates to be competent in. As part of the review, the program faculty submitted a new set of changes to the curriculum for incoming students and those on the 2017-2018 bulletin. There were two big changes. The first major change is that those students on the new bulletin are no longer required to complete the Nutrition Minor through Family and Consumer Sciences. The second major change was the creation of a Clinical Exercise Science concentration for those interested in pursuing careers in clinical settings such as Cardiac Rehab. The new Clinical Exercise Science concentration will be a competitive, selective concentration with a maximal cohort size of twenty students. The goal of the Clinical Exercise Science concentration is to prepare students for careers working with clinically significant populations such as in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to address the needs within the state of Arkansas and the rest of the country for qualified clinical exercise specialists working with high risk individuals of cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and cancer. Additionally, the concentration will prepare students to critically analyze and understand the basics of clinical research. Currently there are no similar undergraduate programs in Arkansas preparing students to specifically prepare for careers in cardiac rehab and other clinical settings. This concentration would help meet the needs and demands in the state as well as being a program of distinction at the University of Central Arkansas. Please check out the new curriculum and let us know your thoughts. The faculty have used student and alumni feedback to create the educational experience we want to provide students so they are knowledgeable and marketable upon graduation in their professional aspirations.
(top) The graduating class of spring 2017. (middle left) Branden Blume, Jordan Woods, and Lauren cole in the foreground. Ciara Oliver and Chris Barnett in the background. (bottom left) Oday Alfaori speaking to the graduating class regarding the positive impact of Ms. Eskola on his life. (above) Philip LaBanca and Branden Blume.
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Non-Concentration Requirements Every student declared as an Exercise Science major but not Clinical Exercise Science are required to complete their degree with the following: EXSS 4323 Group Exercise Leadership EXSS 4376 Advanced Strength and Conditioning In addition to EXSS 4323 and 4376, select three from the following elective pool: FACS 2341 Lifespan Development H ED 3325 Disease Management for Health Promotion H ED 4300 Community Health Problems H ED 4303 Environmental Health Problems MGMT 2341 Principles of Management MGMT 3305 Social Issues in Management MGMT 3310 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship MKTG 2350 Basic Marketing Clinical Exercise Science Concentration Requirements Every student accepted into the Clinical Exercise Science concentration are required to complete their degree with the following: BIOL 4351 General Pharmacology EXSS 3355 Exercise Science Clinical Experience I EXSS 4303 Clinical Exercise Physiology EXSS 4355 Exercise Science Clinical Experience II NUTR 3390 Nutrition and Metabolism
Major in Exercise Science EXSS Core Curriculum (12 hours) EXSS 2381 Anatomical Kinesiology EXSS 3382 Biomechanics EXSS 4300 Exercise Physiology EXSS 4395 Sport in American Society Major Requirements (38 hours) EXSS 1310 Introduction to Exercise Science EXSS 2320 Fitness Assessments in Exercise Science EXSS 2340 Motor Development and Learning EXSS 3316 Curriculum EXSS 3331 Care and Prevention of Exercise and Sports Injuries EXSS 3348 Exercise Prescription for General Populations EXSS 3352 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations EXSS 3353 Exercise Prescription for Senior Populations EXSS 4320 Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance EXSS 4323 Group Exercise Leadership EXSS 4351 Sport and Fitness Administration EXSS 4V99 Internship in Exercise Science H ED 2201 First Aid Major Elective (3 hours) EXSS 3350 Obesity Prevention and Management EXSS 4376 Advanced Strength and Conditioning Related Requirement (3 hours) Three credit hours from a cognate area that supports the student’s career interests. Special Degree Requirements In addition to other requirements for graduation and the UCA Core requirements in mathematics and science, the Bachelor of Science degree requires completion of one year of mathematics or two courses in a laboratory science (e.g., 2 courses in biology, 2 courses in chemistry, etc.). Required Minor in Family and Consumer Sciences Minor Requirements (18 hours): NUTR 1300, 3370, 4315 and 9 hours of electives selected with the approval of the academic advisor. Recommended electives are FACS 2341, NUTR 3390, and NUTR 4395.
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Major in Exercise Science Core Every student declared as an Exercise Science major are required to take the following: EXSS Core Curriculum (18 hours) EXSS 2340 Motor Development and Learning EXSS 2381 Anatomical Kinesiology EXSS 3303 Exercise Physiology EXSS 3382 Biomechanics EXSS 4320 Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance EXSS 4395 Sport in American Society Exercise Science Requirements (32 hours) EXSS 1310 Introduction to Exercise Science EXSS 2320 Fitness Assessments in Exercise Science EXSS 3331 Care and Prevention of Exercise and Sports Injuries EXSS 3348 Exercise Prescription for General Populations EXSS 3350 Obesity Prevention and Management EXSS 3352 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations EXSS 3353 Exercise Prescription for Senior Populations EXSS 4351 Sport and Fitness Administration EXSS 4V99 Internship in Exercise Science H ED 2201 First Aid NUTR 1300 Foundations of Nutrition Statistics Requirement (3 hours) MATH 2311 Elementary Statistics, or PSYC 2330 Psychological Statistics, or SOC 2321 Social Statistics Psychology Requirement (3 hours) PSYC 2370 Development Psychology, or PSYC 3370 Sports Psychology, or PSYC 4320 Abnormal Psychology Nutrition Requirement (3 hours) NUTR 3370 Advanced Nutrition, or NUTR 4315 Sports Nutrition Special Degree Requirements (6-8 hours)
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Bulletin Year 2017-2018
Bulletin Year 2016-2017
New Faculty
Thomas Lowder, PhD
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Thomas Lowder joined the Department of Exercise and Sport Science by way of the University of Houston. He found his way to Central Arkansas after the University of Houston shifted a focus from a traditional teaching and research institution to a research institution. "Research-wise it was a great place to be, with the patient population and the world's largest medical center very close by. But what we had in research resources I felt we were losing in teaching." Dr. Lowder considered a couple of positions at the Texas Medical Center and a few other medical research centers, but the reason I became a professor is that he loved teaching and working with students. "If someone had sat me down 20 years ago and told me some of the things I know now I would probably have had an easier path to where I am, but I also value that struggle of finding my own way." Dr. Lowder has found the University of Central Arkansas to be a place where students, faculty, staff, and everyone is welcoming and feels welcomed. "I've only been here two semesters but already I find it impossible to walk across campus without stopping to talk with someone. Usually it takes about a block before I start saying hello." Dr. Lowder, the Campbell, California native, first became interested in exercise physiology as a kid. He was always active and into sports. At first, like many young adults, he did not know what to do. So, Dr. Lowder enrolled in college as an English Literature and Journalism major. He pursued his initial plan for a couple of years before leaving school and "bouncing around a little bit" from California to Oregon to Nevada. He would return to college after a five-year semester break with a plan - becoming a strength and conditioning coach, as by that point he had morphed from a 148 pound triathlete to a 220 pound weightlifter - and earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Nevada-Reno. "Turns out I was pretty good at studying and I loved my courses, all of them. I even studied like crazy in my history courses, which taught me how to think different that the way I was trained as a scientist and researcher. A couple of instructors urged me in a not-so-subtle manner to continue, so I did." Dr. Lowder would go on to attend Indiana State University for a couple of years before moving on to the University of Illinois. "I was so good at being a graduate student they kept me a total of nine years." Eventually, he would go on to complete a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in which he had a "great deal of fun, three years of nothing but research and learning." Along the way, Dr. Lowder became interested in lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). This personal interest, and one that he invites others to listen to over coffee, was something of a "monkey wrench" in his productivity. Almost all of Dr. Lowder's research and training to that point involved mouse models. His mouse models started off looking at influenza, then atopic asthma, and eventually a transgenic mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer. "Mouse work is amazing and I loved it, but I did want to do some work that was directly translatable." He switched gears and started a project that no one had ever done. However, he soon realized that all of his training was in pulmonary, and that LAM is primarily a lung disease. "Not many people know of LAM and very few people work with these ladies. They are an amazing group of women and have taught me more about being a scientist than anyone." His research with LAM has broadened his professional network and outreach. Instead of attending exercise conferences, Dr. Lowder attends medical conferences. "It is amazing how well-received our work is in other fields. Physicians and medical centers are seeking us out as we are the ones who know what exercise does and what it can do." Most individuals may perceive that physicians view the exercise field as "those exercise people," but Dr. Lowder states that it is fun teaching physicians how to help their patients become healthy and that "we are always treated with respect as scientists, as peers." In his spare time, Dr. Lowder can be found reading, caring for his ten dogs and a cat - all of which were rescues - and continuing to write on two of his children's books. "I love knowledge and learning. I have about twenty or more books that I am presently reading spread throughout the house. Learning excites me more than just about anything else." The faculty and staff are excited and pleased to have Dr. Lowder at the University of Central Arkansas and serving the students of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. Maybe he was destined to be here, "the night after I returned from my interview at UCA I had a dream that I was wearing my purple scrubs and walking across UCA's campus, and everyone had a purple item of clothing on."
Zack Damon joined the Department of Exercise and Sport Science from the Texas A&M where he finishing up his doctoral degree in Sports Management. While in high school in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Damon was trying to decide what to pursue as for college. He contemplated different subjects related to math and science until one of his teachers introduced him to sport management and that it was becoming a popular major. Given his passion toward playing sports and reading a lot of background information on sport, "the light bulb clicked and I began looking at schools with sport management programs. I had hoped to play baseball in college through walking on and at the least, I wanted to go to a school in a warmer climate where I could train outdoors throughout the year for baseball." His journey would lead him to Georgia Southern University and the undergraduate sport management program. Playing baseball contributed significantly to Mr. Damon's future path. "When I realized that playing baseball professionally was not a viable career option, and that I no longer wanted to become a General Manager of a sport team," two of his undergraduate professors began to mentor him at the end of his sophomore year. Those professors included him in data collection, guided him through the research process, allowed him the opportunity to tutor other students, and even guest lecture in a few classes. Those experiences and the mentorship Mr. Damon received provided a moment of clarity, "I realized that I enjoyed what being a professor entails, and that it was not the typical 9-5 office cubicle career - I knew I did not want that career." From that moment on, he worked towards gaining as much professor-like experience as he could, honed in on an appropriate master's degree, and where to pursue his PhD. "During this process and to this day I am thankful for those professors who took me under their wing, and I look forward to doing the same." As he was beginning to finish up his doctoral studies, he came across a listing for a position at the University of Central Arkansas on one of the higher education job resources websites. Mr. Damon admits that he did not know much about Central Arkansas at first, but as he read the description and researched the university it reminded him of Georgia Southern. "This familiar feeling and the fact that this position was specifically aimed toward building a brand new sport management program enticed me right away. I remember from the phone interview and Coach Hervey picking me up at the airport for the in-person interview that immediately it felt like a place where I would be part of a family and fit in. Throughout the interview process this feeling was only strengthened the more I learned about the campus, students, faculty, and surrounding community." Although Mr. Damon is the Director of the newly approved Executive Masters of Arts in Sports Management, he teaches many of the exercise science majors in EXSS 4395 Sport in American Society and EXSS 4320 Measurement and Evaluation of Human Performance. One of the areas regarding the future of sports that Mr. Damon will share during class or during his coffee house office hours is that almost every year there seems to be a new sport context emerging. "In recent years there have been multiple sport contexts that would not have been thought possible just a decade ago." One specific example Mr. Damon points out is that quidditch is now an acceptable club sport on many college campuses with a worldwide tournament. Who would have thought a game created within the Harry Potter world would soar to the heights of acceptable club sports in college? Additionally, Mr. Damon draws attention to the rise of "e-league" sports that has its origins in video games. "All of a sudden we have a new avenue for those who want to play video games for a living. I think the underlying aspect to these and other emerging (and yet to emerge) contexts is how each one helps to breakdown barriers between gender and other diversity aspects." Mr. Damon's primary area of interest is the involvement of the sport leaders as the "sport discipline continues to mature and incorporate these new contexts." When Mr. Damon isn't working on his dissertation, teaching, or preparing for the new graduate program, he can be found enjoying a nice cup of coffee, relaxing with his one year old retriever shepherd mix, or exercising. However, the one regret he has regarding his time in Arkansas is that he hasn't gotten to explore the nature scene around Conway and Arkansas. "I enjoy seeing new parts of the state whenever I drive around and all of the possibilities in the area. I always find areas like Conway and Little Rock that are growing, to be an exciting place to be a member in."
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Zack Damon, MBA
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To see Aaron in action and discussing the adaptive fitness area, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi6USCQvUUY. Press Release: "New Fitness Areas Offers Safe Workouts for Injured Airmen. http://www.littlerock.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1095548/new-fitness-area-offers-safe-workouts-for-injured-airmen
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(top left) Aaron Leach with the Base Commander Col. Brown. (top right) Personal autograph from base commander commemorating the award. (above) Aaron Leach with his wife, Tammie. The sword has Aaron's name engraved in the blade.
Alumni Conversation
We just got off the phone with Alex Fotioo (BS '10 and MS '12), SCCC, CSCS discussing his life as a strength and conditioning coach. Alex was recently promoted to the Director of the Strength and Conditioning/Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Central Arkansas after serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for three years. MG: Congratulations, Alex! What is your favorite part about being a strength and conditioning coach? AF: Thanks, doc! My favorite part is the interaction with the players and building a professional relationship. It's great to see them prepare for months and then to produce when their season comes along. It's just fun to be a positive influence on others and we all have a love of competition. MG: As with any job, hopefully the good parts outweigh the bad, but what are some of the challenging aspects of your job? AF: The first aspect that most people would consider would be letting down your athletes. You've built that relationship up so you want them to succeed. However, the most challenging part of my job is finding balance in my life. I want to spent quality time with my wife Megan and our daughter Molly Claire so it can be difficult at times. MG: I bet it is, especially when you start early in the morning. AF: That is correct. I'm usually in by 5:00 am to print off and review the workouts with the staff, inspect and clean the equipment, setup he equipment, and make sure the nutrition center is stocked. The first group of athletes usually starts at 6:00 am or 6:30 am. I'll usually get a short break starting between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm before afternoon workouts start up at 2:30 pm. Around 3:15 pm I'll head to the football practices until evening workouts starting at 5:00 pm. MG: That sounds like a full day, but you have a strong staff to support you and the athletes. What are your recommendations for those interested in pursuing strength and conditioning? AF: I would say to appreciate Anatomical Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology. They helped me prepare for understanding how the body responds. I would also say that Measurement and Evaluation, and Data Analysis and Research Methods from graduate school, have helped greatly in that I know how to read research articles in order to apply the research to coaching and athlete improvement. AF: Lastly, you have to be a people person. You'll be building relationships. You'll be instructing and leading young adults. You have to have a great work ethic and having confidence or presence or athletes won't trust you or take you seriously, but you'll also need to be humble.
The Department of Exercise and Sport Science congratulates Aaron Leach, MS, CSCS (BS ’05 and MS ’08) on his selection as the winner of the "19th Air Wing Civilian Cat. II of the Year" for 2016. Aaron, recently promoted to Sustainment Services Fight Chief, oversees nine lodging facilities, the dining facility, and the fitness and sports program at the Little Rock Air Force Base. In his role as Fitness and Sport Director, Aaron leads and mentors airmen in the Fitness and Sports program as well as base wide. One of Aaron's accomplishments was the creation of an adapted fitness area for injured personnel to exercise safely - the only base providing such an inclusive space for adapted needs. To meet the needs of injured airmen, retirees, and other service personnel, Aaron brought into the fitness center on base an arm ergometer, leg ergometer, combination arm and leg ergometer, ski ergometer, recumbent elliptical, recumbent stepper an air assault bike and a duel adjustable pulley system. His accomplishment on base were noticed at the top level with the honor of being awarded this year as the Air Force Fitness and Sports Program of 2015. In addition to his roles at the Little Rock Air Force Base, Aaron serves as an internship site supervisor for Exercise Science helping to guide future exercise professionals.
Alumni Spotlight
Alex Fotioo
Aaron Leach
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Alumni Relations
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We hope all of you are doing well and miss your faculty dearly. (Go ahead and laugh). I know you have fond memories of UCA and specifically studying for your Biomechanics or Exercise Physiology exams. (Again, go ahead and laugh). The memories are important to you as there are to us. Those memories shaped you and I am sure in your current employment, you see glimpses of past faculty members who molded you into the professional you are today. Guess what? We want you to stay active with current and even past faculty! That’s right! Maintaining a relationship with UCA and the Exercise and Sports Science department as an alumni is extremely important not only for you but to also help shape those who will come behind you that you may hire someday. You may be wondering, "How can I stay informed and connected with the department?" First, the simplest way, is to follow us on Twitter @UCAExSci or like us on Facebook at UCA Exercise Science. We often post job opportunities as well as events that our students are engaged in. If you have a job opening, be sure to let us know so we can assist you in finding the right fit for your facility. Second, make sure that your information is current so we can keep you informed via e-mail or text. You can update your information with the Exercise and Sport Science Office at exss@uca.edu. Make plans every year to tailgate with the Exercise and Sports Science department during UCA Football Homecoming and Family Day. We will be tailgating for two Central Arkansas Football games on September 30th and October 28th. The game on September 30th is UCA Family Day and begins at 6:00 pm. The game on October 28th is Homecoming and begins at 6:00 pm. The tailgate will be in front of the Farris Center starting at 3:00 pm. Look for our tent! Come see the faculty who once tortured you and the new faculty who can also assist you. We would LOVE to see all of you so please make plans to come and support your Bears! Another way to stay connected? If you are working in a facility or clinic that has an internship program, contact Kim Eskola at keskola@uca.edu to talk about current students as interns. This is a great way to shape the future of your industry and assist students in gaining more experience and knowledge. Want to give back to the program that help shape you? The Department of Exercise and Sport Science has a UCA Foundation Account which is used to assist in the continued development and growth of the program, and by providing our alumni with social events. Bottom line, we want to stay in touch with our alumni. Even after you graduate, we still want to assist you in your professional career as well as have you impact future professionals. We are looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you on Saturday, September 30th around 3:00 pm in front of the Farris Center for UCA football/Family Day and on Saturday, October 28th for UCA Homecoming. Go Bears!
Reaching for the STARs
On May 8th, 2017, 144 middle school students in Magazine, Arkansas participated in a FUN Field Day as the kick-off to a four-year grant called STAR (School Telemedicine in Arkansas). STAR, a $1.2 million ($300,000 annually for 4 years) grant successfully funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service – Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is a joint project with UAMS aimed at using telemedicine to enhance the services and programs to Arkansas school-aged children living in rural areas for psychiatric, obesity and dental care. Mike Gallagher (co-investigator), Kim Eskola, and students from the Department of Exercise and Sport Science will oversee the implementation of the obesity reduction and prevention aspect of the STAR program by providing education on overall health and fitness delivered through online modules and includes weekly wellness challenges consisting of physical activity, nutrition, healthy eating, and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, children with a BMI at or above 85% will be partnered with exercise science students and dietetic interns to participate in one-on-one consultation/coaching through telemedicine. Fifth through eighth grade students in Magazine are serving as the pilot participants and the first SBHC incorporating the obesity reduction and prevention component before the obesity reduction and prevention components rolls out to the three other school based health centers (SBHC) in Jasper, Lamar, and Malvern. The STAR team members from UAMS and UCA’s Department of Exercise and Sport Science organized the FUN Field Day to get the students interested in partaking in the obesity reduction and prevention component of the grant starting in the fall of 2017. Mike Gallagher and Kim Eskola were accompanied by graduate assistant Amanda Edwards, and undergraduate students Nathan King, Sara Mitchell, Alyssa Ayres, Matt Bemis, Bailey Diprima, David Gardner, Cynthia Lichoff, and Angelina Marconi. Many of the undergraduate students whom volunteered did so to actively play a role in changing the lives of children instead of only discussing the relevant topics in class. For some, like Alyssa, it provides an opportunity to consider the future, "I hear from people that they often change their minds when they get out into the field so I am trying to make sure that I have enough opportunities now to experience what it would be like prior to taking a job where I will be with children all day." The field day was also a beneficial experience for everyone involved. "The kids are great kids that have bright futures and this program helps them to realize that," said Cynthia (pictured above). The field day event consisted of ten events: burpees, a Farmer's walk, a star drill, tackle dummy drills, agility ladder, calisthenics, medicine ball twists, an education pyramid can run, hula hoop pretzel and hops, and planks. Although the goal of the field day was to draw interest to participating in the STAR program, the field day also demonstrated that being active can be achieved with various items around the house or with basic equipment. Cynthia echoed this goal by saying that "some of these kids have no idea how to workout because they all believed that they needed actual weights." One of the unfortunate demographics about rural Arkansas is that many families, many children live around the poverty line with high rates of homelessness and poor health literacy. Therefore, demonstrating simple exercises with no to minimal equipment was important. As with every program involving fifth through eighth grade, there are ups and downs. Each child is different from the next. Each group that performed at a station was different than the next. "I learned that each child will react differently to this," said Angelina. Overall, the field day was a success. The majority of the students appeared to enjoy the field day activities - or maybe because they didn't have to be in the classroom. Either way, the students from Magazine did great. "I feel like most of them learned simple ways to become more active and the importance that is placed on healthy living," said David. Everyone in Exercise Science is excited for the upcoming academic year and kicking off the second phase of the grant.
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Feature
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Experiential learning has gained widespread attention in the last five to ten years as a way to provide an educational experience that is both evidence-based and rewarding. The main areas of experiential learning within Exercise Science have included laboratories, service-learning, and interprofessional collaboration. According to the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, academic service-learning is a course-based teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. There are four main types of service-learning: direct, indirect, advocacy, and research-based. The majority of the service-learning that occurs in Exercise Science is of the direct type - working directly with the community members or service-learning stakeholders. For many years, the program offered three such experiences: working with the Child Development Center and Kid's University in EXSS 2340 Motor Development and Learning, working with older adult residents at College Square in EXSS 3353 Exercise Prescription for Senior Populations, and interprofessionally with other departments and professions at the Interprofessional Education Forum held in the fall. In 2016, the number of interprofessional and service-learning experiences doubled from three to six. The program added an interprofessional falls awareness presentation with students in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, a service-learning experience working with Community Connections' Rivals United Football League (RUFL) for children with needs, and a service-learning experience collecting bicycling data for the University of Central Arkansas' Bicycle Friendly University application. The program will have an even greater impact in 2017!
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Number of new service-learning hours served the Department of Exercise and Sport Science in 2016.
Total number of service-learning hours provided by the Department of Exercise and Sport Science in 2016.
Experiential Learning in Bloom
(top left) Angelina Marconi leads students through the warm-up. (top right) Matt Bemis supervises students running through the agility station. (bottom left) Hunter Eskola, son of Kim Eskola, leading students through the tackle dummies. (middle right) Students participating in the medicine ball twists. (bottom right) Students participating in the Farmer's walk using gallon jugs filled with water.
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Senior Fit Club at College Square
Falls Awareness Week
Rivals United Football League
Thirty-three Exercise Science students from EXSS 3352 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations served children with needs by administering the warm-up, football drills and scrimmage, and cool-down during the 8-week Rivals United Flag Football League through Community Connections. Community Connections is a “non-profit organization in central Arkansas providing extra-curricular activities for children with special needs and support for their families.” Exercise Students also provided educational information about health and wellness, and challenged the children to be more aware of participating in healthier activities such as swapping one candy bar for one fruit or vegetable. Executive Director Courtney Leach said it was one of the best service-learning experiences they've had at Community Connections. Here's to a successful 2017!
Thirty-eight Exercise Science students EXSS 3352 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations class collaborated with 48 Occupational Therapy and 56 Physical Therapy students to educate older adults on falls risk and prevention. This interprofessional service-learning experience served 245 older adults at 28 independent living facilities, nursing homes, hospice, and senior centers through central Arkansas. University of Central Arkansas professors Chad Lairamore (Physical Therapy), Mike Gallagher (Exercise and Sport Science), and Letha Mosley (Occupational Therapy, along with graduate assistant Jennifer Speaks (Occupational Therapy) discussed Falls Awareness on KATV Channel 7 on September 29, 2016.
Twenty-eight Exercise Science students from the service-learning section of EXSS 3353 Exercise Prescription for Senior Populations served sixteen older adult participants from College Square Retirement Community. The sixteen older adult participants included fourteen regulars and two newcomers. We are definitely thrilled that the number of participants has increased steadily over the last few years with the addition of new residents participating in the program. For those unfamiliar with the Senior Fit Club experience, students meet with an older adult participant to review the initial paperwork and health screening, discuss goals for the upcoming semester, and administer a fitness assessment using the Senior Fit Test, and prepare an eight week long workout program to address the weaknesses and goals of the participant. During the eight weeks, students are tasked with themed-weeks such as dance - where the whole day revolves around rhythmic movements - cognition, and obstacle course days.
What have the faculty and students in Exercise Science been up to in their travels? October 20-21, 2016; American College of Sports Medicine - Central States Annual Meeting, Fayetteville, AR April 22, 2017; National Strength and Conditioning Association Arkansas Spring Clinic, Fayetteville, AR May 30-June 3, 2017; American College of Sports Medicine - Annual Meeting, Denver, CO July 12-15, 2017; National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference, Las Vegas, NV
(top left) Brandyn Thomas learning to waltz from his older adult participant. (top right) Blake Bennett and Courtney Farrar enjoying the dance workout. (middle left) Otas Iyekekpolor and Colton Key instructing their older adult participant. (above) Kerry Donahue and Aysia Oliver leading their older adult participant through their dance. (bottom left) Katie Gould and Deanna Dossantos leading their older adult participants through the Macarena.
Thirty-five Exercise Science students from EXSS 3350 Obesity Prevention and Management served the Bicycle Friendly University planning committee for the University of Central Arkansas. Exercise Science students tallied the number of cyclists and cycling hazards on campus during the spring semester and provided baseline data for the committee’s application to be designated a Bicycle Friendly University. Students in EXSS 3350 will continue to collect data every spring.
Bicycle Friendly University
(top) Mike Gallagher, Adam Bruenger, and Kim Eskola attending the social during the American College of Sports Medicine - Central States Annual Meeting. (bottom) Mike Gallagher, Zack Damon, Adam Bruenger, and Rock Lee attending the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting.
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Bear Tracks
Aysia Oliver ('17; left) contributed to the new advertisement for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. To see the advertisement, visit https://youtu.be/muvbsFjZ_z0.
Daniel Heistand (‘17) presented his undergraduate research titled “Effects of Intermittent Static Stretching on Bench Press Muscular Endurance” at the 2016 Central States American College of Sports Medicine meeting.
Mike Gallagher contributed to the new informational video on the Service-Learning Faculty Fellows Program at the University of Central Arkansas. The video served to education faculty about the Faculty Fellows Program and discuss experieces with service-learning. Mike Gallagher took part in Science Wednesday to discuss the Science of Exercise on January 22, 2017. Science Wednesday is put on by the UCA Society of Physics Students during the last Wednesday of the month at Kings Live Music in Downtown Conway.
Kaleb Hadley ('18; above) was featured during UCA's Day of Giving. Kaleb discussed the importance of donating to the UCA Fund and how it has provided him with the opportunity to pursue his dreams.
Mike Gallagher was featured in an article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on November 21, 2016. The article, Taking it to the Limit (below), describes the metabolic testing Dr. Gallagher and his students perform in the UCA Human Performance Lab for competitive athletes in the community. To read the whole article, visit: http://m.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/nov/21/taking-it-to-the-limit-20161121/
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Recognition
Adam Bruenger presented research that was co-authored by Robert Stiner (Former Head Strength Coach) and Alex Fotioo (Current Head Strength Coach and UCA Alum) titled "Prediction of Squat Maximum from Height, Weight, and Vertical Jump" at the 2017 National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference Meeting.
Adam Bruenger presented a 45-minutes symposium titled “Bridging the Gap: Easier Said than Done” at the 2016 Central States American College of Sports Medicine meeting that discussed the gap between science and practice in strength and conditioning, and coaching.
Presentations
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Awards
Aaron Leach, MS, CSCS (BS ’05 and MS ’08) was the winner of the 19th Air Wing Civilian Cat. II of the Year Award for the Little Rock Air Force Base
Students in the non-service learning section of EXSS 3353 Exercise Prescription for Senior Populations were tasked with creating an infograph on a specific topic targeting older adults. All thirteen groups did an amazing job and students in both sections of EXSS 3353 had to rank the infographs. First place votes were given a score of 5 points, second place votes were given a score of 3 points, and third place votes were given a score of 1 point. These were the top four infographs. First Place: Stepping out of Depression by Faith Harger, Branden Blume, and Kevin Nguyen with a composite score of 132 (21 first place votes). Second Place: A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart by Nathan King, Kailey Johnson, and Mason Koenigseder with a composite score of 105 (12 first place votes). Third Place: Roadway to a Healthy Life by Mitchell Shipp, Trent Collins, and Keidrick Usifo with a composite score of 95 (11 first place votes). Honorable Mention: Balanced Body, Balanced Life! by Sara Mitchell, Hadley Swanson, and Matt Rackley with a composite score of 63 (7 first place votes). Great job everyone and congratulations!
Daniel Heistand (‘17), left, won the 2016 Central States American College of Sports Medicine Undergraduate Student Research Award for his undergraduate research titled “Effects of Intermittent Static Stretching on Bench Press Muscular Endurance.” Adam Bruenger, Associate Professor, was elected president of the Central States chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.
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Life In Farris
The Importance of Student Development
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"My research that I presented at Central States was over the effects of intermittent stretching on bench press muscular endurance. This was research that Dr. Bruenger and I conducted. I loved being able to conduct research as an undergraduate because that is something that not many undergraduate students are able to do. I did not expect that I would enjoy conducting research as much as I did but I feel like it gave me invaluable experience that will help me a lot in my future. Not only did I just get to conduct research but I also got to present it at the 2016 ACSM Central States meeting. This was something that was way out of my comfort zone but I am so glad that I did it. It was definitely a highlight of my time at UCA. I actually went on and won the award for the undergraduate presentation. This is something I hope will benefit me down the line as I hope to eventually go on and get my PhD in Physical Therapy and conduct research in the field. The Central States meeting in general was a lot of fun. There were a lot of different presentations done with all of them having a lot of great information in them. I met fellow exercise science students from the different universities within Central States. It was really interesting to get to see all of the current research that is being done. I believe that students should attend these just to be able to expand their learning and be able to meet students from other schools with the same majors. Students have a lot to learn from this meeting in terms of current research; not all of the research comes from professors. There was a lot of undergraduate research presented in the meeting." -- Daniel Heistand ('17)
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Life... ...As We Know it
Meanwhile, students in Dr. Gallagher's EXSS 2320 Fitness Assessments in Exercise Science provide a mix of work, play, and just plain ol' goofiness.
Some students eat, sleep, and breath the Farris Center. Some, like in Dr. Lowder's EXSS 3303 Exercise Physiology course, run and play with rope. There's no better way to learn about exercise physiology than by performing exercise.
August 26th National Strength and Conditioning Association - Arkansas State Clinic, Little Rock, AR September 30th Exercise Science Tailgate, Conway, AR October 23rd - 24th American College of Sports Medicine - Central States Annual Meeting - St. Charles, MO October 28th Exercise Science Tailgate, Conway, AR November 9th-12th, 2017 LAM Foundation International Conference May 2018 American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Conference, Austin, TX May 29th-June 2nd, 2018 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting - Minneapolis, MN
Upcoming Events
Appointments
Kim Eskola was advanced to Senior Clinical Instructor. Thomas Lowder was elected to Faculty Senate. Thomas Lowder was selected to teach in the Honors College. Mike Gallagher was appointed to the Strategic Planning Committee. Mike Gallagher was appointed to the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Simulation Task Force as an advisory body to the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation. Mike Gallagher was appointed to the Library Committee.
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ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENTER IS UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION SO WE CAN BETTER REACH OUT TO YOU! AS WE HAVE GROWN FROM KPED TO EXSS WE WANT TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP AND STRENGTHEN OUR BEAR CLAN TIES TO BETTER SERVE YOU! WE ARE STRIVING TO HAVE AN UP TO DATE ALUMNI CONTACTS FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS: UCA EXSS DEPARTMENT EVENTS UCA SPORT EVENTS FOR ALUMNI NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE OUR CURRENT STUDENTS TO ENTER PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO Exercise and Sport Science: exss@uca.edu with the 'Subject' as Exercise Science Alumni Giveaway NAME AND YEAR OF GRADUATION CURRENT BEST EMAIL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER CURRENT OCCUPATION HOW YOUR UCA DEGREE HELPED YOU OBTAIN YOUR OCCUPATION WHAT YOU REMEMBER LIKING MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAM WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL BY OCTOBER 21, 2017
EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE ALUMNI! WANT TO WIN A T-SHIRT AND MORE EXSS SWAG TO KEEP YOUR UCA PRIDE UN-BEAR-ABLY STRONG?
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(top left) Stream located outside of the HPER Center. (top right) Jewel E. Moore Nature Preserve sign on Farris. (middle left, middle right, bottom left) Jewel E. Moore Nature Reserve during peak bloom. (bottom right) Flowers outside the HPER Center towards the trail entrance for the Jewel E. Moore Nature Reserve.
Your Central Arkansas
(top left) University of Central Arkansas' 11th President, Houston Davis. (top right) The new Conway Corporation Center for Sciences. (middle left) The HPER Center. (middle right) The newly completed mixed used commercial and residence hall, Donaghey Hall. Donaghey houses 165 students, Blue Sail Coffee, Marble Slab Creamery/Great American Cookies, Uncle T's Deli-Market, Trek Bicycle Store Conway, and Mosaique Bistro and Grill. (bottom left). Window front for UCA Downtown in Downtown Conway. (bottom right) Estes Stadium. Fear the Stripes!
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