“Our mission in the School of Kinesiology is to prepare the next generation of leaders in kinesiology,” said Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith at today’s ribbon-cutting for the newly renamed School of Kinesiology program and facility at Northwestern State University. “This is a time for growth, opportunity and the future. Our faculty and staff have worked incredibly hard to build programs that prepare students for meaningful careers, and that is one of our main goals, but at the heart of everything we do is our students.”
Tietjen-Smith serves as director of the School that was formerly known as the Department of Health and Human Performance. Thursday’s ribbon-cutting was presented in partnership with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce to showcase undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare students for careers in health, human performance, sport management, physical therapy and wellness. The new name better reflects the school’s growth and aligns its identity with terminology commonly used throughout the profession.
While the school’s name has changed, degree requirements, faculty, courses and student pathways remain the same. Tietjen-Smith 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.
“The School of Kinesiology is a result of a collective effort and we are grateful to everyone who believed in our vision and invested in our future,” Tietjen-Smith said. “Becoming a School represents where we are today, but more importantly it represents where we are going. We are committed to expanding opportunities for our students, growing our research, developing our community partnerships, investing in innovative facilities and equipment and preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals who will improve the health and quality of life of the communities they serve.”
Community partners from BOM Bank, the City of Natchitoches, Parish Council, Natchitoches Council on Aging and The Rapides Foundation joined Kinesiology faculty, staff and students, along with NSU leadership, the School’s alumni advisory board and friends of the program for the ribbon-cutting and reception.
“As we gather for this ribbon cutting hope we take a moment to appreciate what this day represents. We are not simply opening a new chapter we are creating a new future,” Tietjen-Smith said.
For information on the School of Kinesiology visit https://www.nsula.edu/