Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies

https://krss.utk.edu/

David R. Bassett, Department Head
Steven N. Waller, Associate Department Head
Lars Dzikus, Director of Graduate Studies

Professors
Bassett, D. R., Jr., PhD – Wisconsin
Fairbrother, J. T., PhD (Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs) – Florida State
Fisher, L. A., PhD – California (Berkeley)
Hardin, R. L., PhD – Tennessee
Thompson, D. L., PhD (Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School) – Virginia
Waller, S. N., PhD – Michigan State
Zhang, S., PhD – Oregon

Associate Professors
Bemiller, J., JD – Tennessee
Coe, D. P., PhD – Michigan State
Crouter, S. E., PhD – Tennessee
Dzikus, L., PhD – Ohio State
Fitzhugh, E., PhD – Alabama
Porter, J., PhD – Louisiana State
Trendafilova, S. A., PhD – Texas (Austin)
Wozencroft, A. J., PhD – Clemson
Zakrajsek, R. A., PhD – West Virginia

Assistant Professors
Graham, J. A., PhD – Texas (Austin)
Hornbuckle, L. M., PhD – Florida State
Love, A. W., PhD – Tennessee
Scott, J. L., PhD – Pennsylvania State
Strohacker, K., PhD – University of Houston
Weinhandl, J. T., PhD – Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

Assistant Professor of Practice
Blanton, J., PhD – Michigan State

Clinical Assistant Professor
Hillyer, S. J., PhD – Tennessee

Academic Advisors and Internship Coordinators
Brown, L. Y., MS – Tennessee
Smith, S. S., MESS – Florida
Trexler, C. J., MS – Clemson

Physical Education Activity Program Director
Wirtz-Henry, M., MS – Florida

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is an academic discipline that involves the study of human movement, especially the role of physical activity and its impact on health, human performance, society, and quality of life. The Kinesiology major prepares students for a variety of careers in health-related fitness and for graduate or professional study in various fields within kinesiology (exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, motor behavior, physical activity epidemiology, etc.), allied health professions (physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractic, athletic training, etc.) and medicine. Incoming freshmen (“first year students”) can enter the Kinesiology major when they start at UT, or during their first two years. Transfer students can enter the Kinesiology major when they start at UT.

If a chosen career path will require graduate school, a student should know that planning for that starts now. Educational preparation as an undergraduate is an essential part of success later on. Many students arrive at the university with the goal of becoming a physician, physical therapist, or other health professional, but have little knowledge of what the profession is really like or of its demands. Because competition is so intense in medicine and other health professions, students should become as familiar as possible with the career they are pursuing, including the additional education requirements and the minimum GPA and grades in specific courses to be competitive for admission to graduate study.

Recreation and Sport Management

Sport Management

The Recreation and Sport Management major with a concentration in Sport Management prepares students interested in working in the sport industry. The program combines the sport management curriculum with a minor in business administration. The program concludes with a semester-long internship experience.

Therapeutic Recreation

The Recreation and Sport Management major with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation prepares students for employment in a variety of health care settings including programs for mental health and intellectual disabilities, physical rehabilitation centers, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and community-based programs. Graduates fulfill the eligibility requirements for National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. The program concludes with a semester-long internship experience.

Physical Education Activity Program

The Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies believes that sport, dance, and exercise are essential parts of our culture and contribute significantly to health and quality of life for people of all ages. The program provides opportunities for the university community to engage in a variety of exercise/performance activities that will bring enjoyment while teaching the essentials for successful participation. The Physical Education Activity Program is a part of the regular academic offerings and the goals for this program are in accord with the mission of the university at large.

Physical Education Activity Program Goals

To provide a comprehensive program of instruction in dance, fitness, and sport activities.
To provide opportunities for students to develop and improve performance skills.
To encourage fitness through the teaching of mechanical, physiological, and nutritional principles.
To teach other pertinent knowledge such as historical and philosophical foundations, safety, rules and strategy.
To teach students the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle.
To provide opportunities for special populations to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
To create an environment that fosters a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and social interaction for its participants.

Additional Information

Courses in the Physical Education Activity Program are listed as PYED courses in the catalog and timetable and are open to all University students. All courses have mandatory attendance and participation policies. Most courses require a book or an e-book. Some courses have an additional fee associated with them. Some courses meet at off-campus locations. Many courses require the purchase of mandatory equipment by the student. Courses are graded either A-F or S/NC. Courses are taught by UT staff, teaching associates, and graduate teaching associates.

Undergraduates

Graduate Students