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Western Illinois University senior exercise science students, back row, L to R: James Cortez (Hoffman Estates, IL), Melissa White (Dwight, IL), John Thoman (O'Fallon, IL), Morgan Young (Brimfield, IL), Crystal Moulton (Canton, IL), Mike Birkenheier (Plainfield, IL), Matt Warner (Milan, IL), Mike Buhs (Washington, IL), Stephen Moore (Tampa, FL), Brandon Kreczmer (Chicago, IL), Jordan Powell (Macomb, IL) and Blake Denney (Colchester, IL). Middle row, L to R: Brianne Jenkins (Coal Valley, IL), Elise Crnjak (Chicago, IL), Taylor Ruder (Washington, IL), Ashley Clark (Waseca, MN), Maggie Vojta (Hoffman Estates, IL), Megan Moore (Knoxville, IL) and Dave Abma (Macomb, IL). Front row, L to R: Rebekah Neudahl (Cary, IL) and Sarah Rickert (Big Rock, IL).
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Exercise Science Recognized by National Strength and Conditioning Association

April 30, 2010

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MACOMB, IL -- For successfully meeting established criteria, the National Strength and Conditioning Association has officially recognized Western Illinois University's exercise science program. According to the NSCA's website, "for more than 28 years, the NSCA has served as the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning by supporting and disseminating research-based knowledge and its practical application to improve athletic performance and fitness."

NSCA is the only accredited national governing body for fitness and strength certifications, and the recognition enables WIU's exercise science program to display the "Education Recognition Program" (ERP) on forms and promotional materials. Tim Piper, assistant professor and the NSCA-ERP director in Western's kinesiology department, noted the recognition also confirms WIU's exercise science program's commitment to providing exercise science students with a well-rounded education -- including practical and theoretical instruction -- in the field of kinesiology.

"Our department was one of only seven nationally NSCA recognized programs in 2000. Since then, the NSCA-ERP has grown, and WIU continues to be recognized as a leader in the exercise science field by maintaining the high standards of research-based content in combination with a great deal of hands-on practical skill development," Piper said. "Students in the exercise science program within the kinesiology department are exposed to applied exercise science coursework that prepares them to meet the ever-evolving occupations in exercise science, including strength and conditioning, personal training, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness programming, campus recreation and many other related health professions," he added.

The NSCA-ERP recognition of Western's exercise science program is valid through December 2012.

For more information about WIU's kinesiology department's exercise science program, visit wiu.edu/kinesiology/exscience.html or contact Piper at (309) 298-1781 or TJ-Piper@wiu.edu. For more information about the NSCA, see www.nsca-lift.org.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing