ONYX ANNEAU - FALL 2025

Endowment Inc. grant, Quinn helped launch the undergraduate degree in Kinesiology for fall 2020 and Exercise Science for fall 2021, allowing the College to offer two high-demand programs. The proposal included a request for capital funds to create two new classrooms and purchase equipment. In 2023, three concentrations were added to the major: health science, exercise science and recreation science. Students can also choose from minors in sports coaching, nutrition, Kinesiology and myoskeletal massage. “Ninety-nine percent of our students are athletes in our program, and a lot of them will declare a Kinesiology major and myoskeletal massage minor,” said Penny Quinn, Ph.D., chair of the Math and Science Department and a professor of Kinesiology and Wellness. “I also encourage students to add a business minor, especially if they think they might want to open their own business.” All Kinesiology majors must complete an internship to graduate. Some classes also require students to complete hours within their class, where they lead activities with the Sisters of Providence. “I require students to job shadow as part of that figuring out phase,”

Quinn said. “My leadership class is a freshman-level course, and I require students to do job interviews with professionals in the field that they think they want to enter. This is especially important for those “My leadership class is a freshman-level course, and I require students to do job interviews with professionals in the field that they think they want to enter. This is especially important for those students who are choosing between two majors.”

Kinesiology-related careers more appealing to college students. Employment demand for exercise science and kinesiology careers is projected to increase 10% through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The former Health and Wellness program was predominantly female, but as men’s athletic programs have gained momentum, Quinn’s seen an influx of male athletes into Kinesiology. And the growth may not be over yet. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few more students enter the major when the College switches from sprint football to NAIA football next year,” Quinn said. “When you have a lot of students who have been in sports since they were six years old, they’re more comfortable with their bodies and they’re used to goals that are related to their movement. “They’ve interacted with athletic trainers, physical therapists and coaches like they want to be, so it feels familiar to them as they think about what they want to do in the future. It’s not just a job for them. I think many students are drawn to this area because they see it as a career that can have a positive impact on others.”

— Penny Quinn, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Math and Science

students who are choosing between two majors.” A greater focus on health, wellness and preventative care, combined with an aging population, has made

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