LINKS
Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Wellness and Therapeutic Sciences (WTS) where each academic unit represents a wellness, rehabilitation or health-related discipline. We offer undergraduate and/or graduate programs in five areas: Athletic Training, Communication Disorders, Exercise Science (Wellness, Pre-physical Therapy, and Pre-occupational Therapy), Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Management, and Recreation and Leisure Services. Additionally, we have a minor in Youth and Nonprofit Leadership. The minor is an integral part of the Department and compliments many of the University's majors whereby students can develop leadership skills to augment their majors

or careers in the nonprofit sector. Our programs are directed toward development of knowledge and skills for meeting the challenges of the dynamic and ever-evolving wellness and health science professions. This is not a Department where students can hide or get lost. Each student is assigned an academic advisor and provided regular individualized advising services. Our classes and programs are in high demand, but our highly talented faculty provide service learning experiences, innovative teaching and hands-on learning opportunities in classrooms, in-door and out-door laboratories, clinics, off-site placements and many facilities which fulfill our students' ambitions for excellence in classroom and clinical teaching. Graduates of WTS become specialists in the 1) application and theory of exercise and movement sciences in health, fitness, illness prevention and athletic health care delivery; 2) practice of the art and science of assessment and treatment of communication disorders in children and adults; 3) application of the science that directly connects food to nutrition and health; 4) promotion of the importance of recreation, leisure, and environmental stewardship to the quality of a healthy life. What is the common thread for all the students in these majors? They want to make a difference. They have chosen majors and future careers in which they will make a difference in the lives of their future clients, patients, or students. Our faculty - they want to make a difference. Daily, they work to make a difference in the classroom, in the research lab, in a clinical practicum, on a field trip, or in an advising session. In our Department we want to make a difference in lives of the people we serve. WTS is dedicated to preparing professionals to make a difference by helping others discover the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and improve function and quality of life after illness or injury or a communication disorder. Join us. It's fun. It is sometimes hard work. But, it will make a difference.

Dr. Pearl A. Payne
Department Chair