Kinesiology

Brophy Hall - The Home of the Department of Kinesiology

Dr. Kathleen J. Brophy

Brophy Hall at Western Illinois University, Macomb Campus, was dedicated on October 18, 1973. It was name for Dr. Kathleen J. Brophy, former professor and Chairman of the Women's Physical Education Department at Western for thirty-one years before her retirement in 1967.

Dr. Brophy earned her Life Certificate from the State Teachers College in Marquette, Michigan and her B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.She came to Western in 1936 and was named Acting Head of the Women's Physical Education Department in 1945 and Chairman in 1950. Dr. Brophy served on the Student Activities Fund Committee for the University. She was president of the Illinois Association for Professional Preparation in Health, Physical Education and Recreation and received the Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation 25 year Honor Award. She also worked with the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts for thirty years and received the National Girl Scout Thanks Badge for outstanding service.

Dr. Brophy had the unique ability for viewing education in its totality and has made many contributions to the profession. She believed everyone should be given the opportunity to reach his or her potential of knowledge, physical excellence and true sportsmanship.

Brophy Hall

Brophy Hall is a 107,000 square foot multipurpose facility. The lower floor consists of four basketball courts, a swimming and diving pool, equipment rooms, a fitness room, two athletic training rooms, a biomechanics teaching and research lab, locker rooms, a student lounge, two classrooms, a general purpose computer room, and the academic advisors offices for the WIU athletic teams. The upper floor consists of two dance studios, classrooms, faculty and staff offices, a computer lab, the Student Success and the Physical Education Resource Centers, and an exercise physiology teaching and research lab. Brophy Hall is immediately adjacent to the tennis courts, the Women's Softball Stadium, and the Soccer Field among other general purpose athletic fields.

History

In 2004-2005, the name of the department was changed from Physical Education to Kinesiology. The name was changed to reflect the full range of programs and degrees offered by the department at that time, including Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Education and Sport Management. Current undergraduate degree programs include Exercise Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, Nutrition & Foodservice Management, and Physical Education Teacher Education. For graduate students, Kinesiology and Sport Management are offered.

Mission

The primary mission of the Department of Kinesiology is to provide a sound comprehensive undergraduate education for students preparing for careers in exercise science and fitness, Illinois state teacher Licensure in physical education, dietetics, nutrition and foodservice management, and related areas. The same goal holds true for graduate students in ability diversity, sport and exercise psychology, wellness and fitness management, exercise physiology, human movement performance, strength and conditioning, and sport management. To promote physical and mental well-being, in a progressive and inclusive environment, the department also provides a variety of General Education fitness, sports, and nutrition courses for all Western Illinois University students. In addition to classroom responsibilities, the department strives to advance knowledge in the domain by means of original research works, and supports the University and community through service activities.

Values

The Department of Kinesiology creates a stimulating, active, and engaged learning environment. The intent of the Department is to support the values and mission of Western Illinois University by educating and preparing a diverse student population to thrive in and contribute to our global society.

The four core values include of Western Illinois University include:

Academic Excellence

Educational Opportunity

Personal Growth

Social Responsibility