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Department Chair Dr. Scott Ritzen said the evolution of the department name better represents degree options in Athletic Administration, Coaching, Community and Adventure Recreation, Human Performance, Pre-Athletic Training, and Strength and Conditioning.

“With Dr. Josh Ellis joining the department with his background in exercise science and some of his ideas, the phrase Human Performance emerged. It encompasses all movement activities and therefore fits nicely with the variety we offer. The HPEHP program is moving forward with the addition of courses and equipment to strengthen the exercise science aspects. While the programs were strong, the name change, along with updated curriculum and student learning experiences, is a move toward an exceptional program,” Ritzen said.

He said in addition to more accurately describing the wide range of options available, Human Performance is a multidisciplinary science including exercise science and movement-based learning.

"These have been core to our programs in the past, but the facility and equipment enhancements along with the addition of Dr. Ellis will be beneficial for our students," he said.

The department's renewed focus is already evident. When Ellis began teaching Applied Exercise Physiology last year, he reorganized the department's laboratory space in Nelson Physical Activity Center 102 by moving anatomical models and physical testing equipment into the classroom to create a combined lab and learning environment. The department also added a treadmill and cycle ergometer, increasing students' access to equipment they will encounter in graduate school and professional settings.

With a sponsorship from ÂÌñÉç Community Hospital, the department has purchased a CardioCoach Pro metabolic testing system that measures aerobic capacity, resting metabolic rate, exercise metabolic rate, and other indicators of health and physical performance.

"This isn't just an equipment purchase, it's an investment that advances several institutional priorities and supports academics, athletics, and community engagement," Ellis said. "These changes should increase the equipment's visibility and availability and generate more curiosity among the students who use the space.”

Ellis said students will be using professional-grade equipment to measure fitness level, body composition, and how training intensity influences metabolic function.

“The CardioCoach system will provide practical, hands-on experiences for students in the department's Nutrition and Dietetics program and the Strength and Conditioning program that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education,” Ellis said.

The equipment will also support undergraduate research opportunities, community wellness initiatives, and workforce development by allowing students and faculty to collect and analyze health and performance data, according to Ellis.

"The addition of this system will ensure students gain hands-on experience, knowledge, and skills with tools commonly used in fitness, health, sports science professions, and medical facilities," Ellis said. "It also directly supports the Workforce Development and Leadership initiative in CSC's 2030 Strategic Plan."

Beyond strengthening instruction, Ellis believes the upgraded facilities will help enrollment.

"Prospective students and their parents increasingly evaluate programs based on facilities and learning opportunities," Ellis said. "Being able to showcase professional metabolic testing equipment during campus tours will differentiate our program from competitors in our region."