The complementary values of a sound mind and a sound body underlie the philosophy of Transylvania’s Division of Education, Physical Education, and Exercise Science. The curriculum explores the teaching and learning processes and the potential of each student to enjoy a lifetime of wellness and fitness.
Transylvania’s education program examines concepts of knowledge and how it is passed from one person to another and from one generation to the next. Why is it important to understand the nature of knowledge? How do we learn? How do we teach?
Our physical education and exercise science program prepares students to teach, coach, or enter the burgeoning field of health and fitness occupations. The curriculum emphasizes that individual health and fitness help form a foundation for the well-being of society.
Majors available within this division are education, physical education, and exercise science.
Education
If you’re seeking an innovative approach to teacher education, you’ll find Transylvania’s education program an ideal choice. In every education course, students have opportunities to observe and teach in public and private school classrooms.
Transy takes the view that primary, middle grade, and secondary students must be actively involved in their own learning. Some traditional instruction is still appropriate in certain situations and for certain age groups. The idea, though, is to create a learning environment in which students will be stimulated to seek knowledge and come to understandings rooted in their own initiatives. The academic name for this educational philosophy is constructivism.
Transylvania’s education program has the distinction of being accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the only nationally recognized accrediting organization for teacher education programs at colleges and universities. NCATE sets national standards for curriculum design, assessment of candidate performance, faculty qualifications, supervision of clinical experiences, and adequate, modern resources.
Faculty Members:
- Angela Brookshire Hurley; Professor of Education; B.S., M.A., Eastern Kentucky University; Ed.D., University of Kentucky.
- Kathleen Lentz Egner; Assistant Professor of Education; B.A., Central Washington University; M.A., New Mexico State University; Ph.D., Arizona State University.
- Amelia El-Hindi Trail; Associate Professor of Education; B.A., Syracuse University; M.A.T., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Ph.D. Syracuse University.
- Amy B. Maupin; Assistant Professor of Education; B.A., M.A., Eastern Kentucky University; Ed.D., The University of Tennessee.
- Tiffany R. Wheeler; John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Minority Teaching Fellow; B.A., Transylvania University; M.A., University of Kentucky.
Physical Education and Exercise Science
The physical development of the student, now and throughout life, is the primary focus of Transylvania’s physical education and exercise science program.
Transylvania is one of only a few small liberal arts colleges that offer two distinct majors—physical education and exercise science—which will provide you with a broad range of post-graduate choices.
Teaching physical education majors study the effects of physical activity on the body and mind, especially in the development of young people. The exercise science major takes the study of physical activity to a highly focused scientific level.
The required internship practicum, a special feature of the exercise science major, offers students the opportunity to explore a career choice while working closely with a professional in the field.
Faculty Members:
- Sharon C. Brown; Associate Professor of Physical Education and Exercise Science; B.S., Eastern Illinois University; M.S., Ph.D., University of South. Carolina.
- Kirk Abraham; Assistant Professor of Exercise Science; B.S., University of Puget Sound; M.S., University of Arizona; Ph.D., University of Missouri.
- Donald Gerald Lane; Associate Professor of Physical Education; B.S., Union College; M.A., University of Kentucky.
