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Department of Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport

Faculty

Gary Johnson (1994). Professor of Physical Education and Department Chair. B.S., Union University; M.S., University of Memphis; D.A., Middle Tennessee State University.

Jonathan Allen (2012). Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Athletic Training. B.S. and M.A., Ball State University. Additional Study, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Matt Brunet (2004). Professor of Sport Management. B.S., Indiana Wesleyan University; M.A., Wayne State University; Ed.D., Union University.

Kelly Elliott (2004). Assistant Professor of Physical Education. B.A., King College; M.A., East Tennessee State University; M.Ed., University of Louisville.

Julie Powell (1995). Professor of Sport Management. B.S. and M.Ed., Union University; Ed.D., North-Central University.

Andy Rushing (1988). Assistant Professor of Physical Education. B.S., Union University; M.S., University of Memphis. Additional study, United States Sports Academy.

Jennifer Shumway (2010). Program Director and Professor of Athletic Training. B.S., University of Central Florida; M.S., University of South Carolina; Ed.D., Union University.

Laura Wilson (2022). Assistant Professor of Athletic Training. B.S., Union University; D.P.T., University of Tennessee Health Science Center. 

Mission Statement

The Department of Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport strives to instill in students a lifetime desire to serve church and society through the mediums of physical activity, exercise, and sport. Our task is to introduce students to knowledge and skills in order to develop a healthy lifestyle for optimum living and service.

Curriculum

The Department believes physical education to be that part of the total educational program which adds its unique contribution through the medium of activity or movement. The Department emphasizes the acquisition of motor skills as of value for lifetime physical recreation activities, the development of socially desirable habits and attitudes, and knowledge, which contribute to the overall aims of education.

Aims of the Department are:

  1. To prepare physical educators, coaches, exercise science professionals, certified athletic trainers, and sport managers for many career channels; and
  2. To foster scientific knowledge and behavioral attitudes for optimum development of health through fitness; and
  3. To prepare students for post-baccalaureate education; and
  4. To develop physical skills for lifetime use; and
  5. To cultivate socially desirable characteristics through physical activity; and
  6. To offer wholesome recreation that encourages character development.

More specifically, the Department has as its center the philosophy to develop a greater quality of life for all people. To ensure this, the faculty stress leadership and communication through each program offered. Growth and development of each individual should occur when exposed to physical activity, exercise, and sport. The department also aims to teach the value of the meaningful use of leisure time to improve personal wellness and serve church and society. Exercise Science majors are taught how to produce prescriptive personal lifestyle programs. Education of sport management students includes moral and ethical responsibility in the business of sport.

The Professional Athletic Training Program at Union University offers to its students an academic environment that fuses the elements of sports medicine and the dynamics of intercollegiate athletics with the values of Christian higher education. The Professional Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and consists of a three year, sequential cohort education process that demands didactic and clinical involvement. Upon completion, the student will be eligible for certification, credentialing, and licensure via the Board of Certification and state medical boards that require licensure for certified athletic trainers to meet the standards of state practice or title protection acts.

The Department offers majors in Physical Education leading to Teacher Licensure, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Sport Management with an emphasis in Marketing, Communication, and Ministry. The Physical Education Major requires the completion of the Professional Education Minor as noted below. Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Sport Management are exempt from the requirement for a minor.

Assessment of Majors

Physical Education majors are required to take a written exit examination the semester prior to or during the semester of graduation or complete a capstone experience. The capstone experience is a course at the end of one’s major in their major area of emphasis within the department of PEWS. These areas of emphases are: Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Education with teacher licensure, Sport Management-Marketing, Communication, and Ministry. Both capstone and exit exam requires a minimal mastery level of 70% correctness.

Student Organization

Sigma Delta is an academic fraternity that desires to improve scholarship and professional development among physical education students. Membership is open to any student attending Union who is seeking a degree (major or minor) in physical education or related field. To be eligible, a student must have completed at least one semester of college work with a 2.75 overall GPA and 3.25 in physical education.

Student Awards

Academic medals will be given to the outstanding graduate in each PEWS discipline. Faculty will vote when multiple students are eligible for the academic achievement medal for a discipline. Students are honored at awards day in the spring, or at the graduation ceremony for December or summer graduates.