Faculty:
P. Gregory Comfort, Ed.D., Professor of Health and Sport Sciences; Chair – Health and Sport Sciences Division; Director of Distance Learning
Janet Comfort, M.Ed., M.A.C., Instructor of Health and Sport Sciences
Guy Danhoff, M.S., Assistant Professor of Health and Sport Sciences
Meredith Ruck Dill, M.S., Head Athletic Trainer, Instructor of Health and Sport Sciences
Iris Dixon, M.Ed., Instructor of Health and Sport Sciences; Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance; Head Women’s Basketball Coach
*Andrew Franklin Elvington, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
Mark Kimzey, M.S.E., M.Div., Assistant Professor of Health and Sport Sciences
David Pierce, M.S., Assistant Professor of Health and Sport Sciences
**Thomas M. Smith, Ed.D., Professor of Education & Health and Sport Sciences; Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics
Jessica Stapleton, M.S.Ed., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Health and Sport Sciences
Eddie Uschold, M.A., Instructor of Health and Sport Sciences; Assistant Director of Athletics (Outdoor Sports); Head Baseball Coach
*Also listed under Natural Sciences Division
**Also listed under Education Division
Mission Statement: The Division of Health and Sport Sciences at Missouri Baptist University is committed to promoting intellectual, spiritual and professional development, striving to enhance a Christ-centered lifestyle through the advancement of knowledge in exercise science, health, physical education, and sport management and forming responsive, and collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, schools, and business and industry leaders.
Missouri Baptist University, through its Health and Sport Sciences Division, prepares students in a well-rounded, holistic approach to education from an evangelical Christian world-view. Students who major in one of the fields typically pursue careers in allied sport health, including corporate fitness and exercise science/technology or management of corporate or private fitness centers, recreation facilities, or sports clubs. Additionally, the department prepares students to enter graduate or professional school in sport management, sports medicine, physical therapy, allied health, athletic training, physical education, or exercise science.
A student may major in Exercise Science, Fitness Management, Health Sciences, or Sport Management. Minors are available in Exercise Science, Health Science, and Sport Management. The Health and Sport Sciences Division also offers four graduate certificates in Exercise Science, Fitness Management, Sport Management, and Sport Marketing. Undergraduate students may earn credit toward the graduate certificates and/or the Master of Science degree in either Sport Management or Fitness Management through senior permission.
A student wishing to teach and coach in the public or private schools should major in either Physical Education or Health Education. Students wishing to teach will have additional requirements to meet for state certification (see the Division of Education in this catalog).
The Sport Management program at Missouri Baptist University is designed to prepare students for various careers in sport management and/or graduate study in the field. Students in this program investigate the psycho-social, ethical, economic, legal, and political factors affecting the management and administration of sport organizations. The application of management principles to the sport industry distinguishes this program from the others offered within the division. Through the practical application of the programs theoretical underpinnings, sport management majors learn about communication, finance, law, organizational management, personnel, and marketing from a Christian worldview.
The Exercise Science program is dedicated to preparing and developing students by promoting the integration of Christian faith with the theory and practice of human physical activity, exercise, disease prevention and rehabilitation. Our goal is to develop exercise science professionals who promote and support creative and healthy lifestyles that positively influence the health and wellness of all individuals. Also, our program is designed to advance the body of knowledge in our field, develop future professionals, provide opportunities for intellectual and professional growth and development, and prepare students for graduate studies. Students in the exercise science program will be exposed to a multidisciplinary approach with exercise physiologists, physical therapists, team physicians, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and other exercise professionals to enhance their experience.
The Health Sciences major is an attractive option for those students interested in allied health. Graduates with a BS in Health Sciences would be prepared for course-work in pursuit of an advanced degree in a healthcare/biomedical field. Those graduates choosing to enter the work force immediately would be prepared for entry level positions related to health advocacy, health communications and sales, medical and laboratory technicians, health administration, and assistantships, among others.
Fitness Management draws from course work in biology, business, exercise science, health science, psychology, and sport management. It is designed for those interested in personal training and/or health/sport coordination and advocacy.
Major
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Exercise Science, BA
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Exercise Science, BPS
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Exercise Science, BS
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Fitness Management, BA
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Fitness Management, BPS
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Fitness Management, BS
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Health Sciences, BS
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Sport Management, BA
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Sport Management, BPS
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Sport Management, BS
Minor
