by Emily Raley
CLEVELAND, Ga., (TMNews) – Truett-McConnell College (TMC) offered its first Baccalaureate degree in 2003. Twelve years later, TMC now offers 26 programs of study on the Baccalaureate level and a masters degree, and was just approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to offer a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
“As the field of health-related services grows, Truett-McConnell is prepared to raise up godly professionals who share Christ and serve others,” said Truett-McConnell President, Dr. Emir Caner. “And we are blessed to have some of the premier faculty related to Exercise Sciences, ensuring our students will be well equipped to meet the needs of the next generation.”
The concept of offering a B.S. in Exercise Science first surfaced as the Division Chair for Math and Science, Dr. Robert Bowen, began his tenure at TMC in 2011. With a background in exercise physiology, Bowen hoped to see the program at TMC one day. In 2014, the faculty enthusiastically approved the development of the B.S. in Exercise Science degree program.
“I am absolutely thrilled about receiving SACS-COC approval to offer a B.S. in Exercise Science at Truett-McConnell,” Bowen said. “I believe this furthers Truett-McConnell’s commitment to serve the kingdom and humanity through the health-related sciences. I am looking forward to seeing how God begins to use our Exercise Science students to heal the sick and call home the lost.”
Set to begin in spring of 2016, Bowen shared his student-centric goals for the degree. “We want to see our students prepared as exercise scientists with the hearts of evangelists.” Referencing the school’s commitment to her four pillars to love the Lord, love the lost, love the church and love God’s Word, Bowen echoed his desire to train students to be well-prepared for the marketplace and graduate programs while remaining committed to the foundations taught at Truett-McConnell.
A degree that complements TMC’s other programs of study in biology, pre-health, and nursing, the B.S. in Exercise Science applies scientific inquire to physical activity, exercise, sport, and athletic performance, with an overall goal to better understand the common characteristic of movement and moreover understand how physical activity and exercise induce adaptions to health, wellness, and fitness, Bowen shared.
“Individual’s with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to utilize exercise and physical activity are becoming the first line of defense against disease and debilitation,” Bowen said.
“Our students will be prepared to successfully complete certifications to work in the areas of clinical rehabilitation sciences, corporate and personal fitness, sport and athletic performance, among other career fields,” Bowen said, adding that continuing on to higher education in medicine, occupational and physical therapy, athletic training, and other types of research through masters and doctorate level academic programs will also be an option for graduates.
“The exercise science degree adds a new dimension of academic excellence to our already vibrant community of students,” Bowen said. It will “also act as the practical gateway to the development of additional undergraduate and graduate programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
To learn more about this degree contact Dr. Bowen at rbowen@truett.edu; to apply to Truett-McConnell, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@truett.edu.
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