Photo courtesy Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

The Department of Kinesiology (a.k.a. exercise and sport science, and physical education) has a long tradition at Kansas State University. The first mention of the study and promotion of physical activity can be traced back to 1863 when students enrolled in Kansas State Agricultural College were "put through inhalations and exhalations of air from the lungs." In the early 1920's the department offered a few coaching classes along with basic physical activity classes. The department in 1926 introduced a four-year professional curriculum for the training of physical education teachers. The basic program of activities expanded and every undergraduate student enrolled in the university completed two years of courses in the basic physical activities program. Separate male and female physical education departments existed until the Fall of 1972 when the two units combined and all programs became co-educational. During the 1980's the department experienced considerable programmatic change involving the movement in and out of the department of several smaller professional units (health, recreation, dance, and athletic training). The department name changed several times during these years to reflect the program changes. Kinesiology was adopted in 1992, and we are dedicated to the study and application of physical activity for optimal health. We currently have 500 undergraduate students majoring in kinesiology - the scientific study of human movement. This is more majors than at any time during the history of the department. The names of the department heads over the past 30 years as well as the programmatic and name changes during this time are listed below in chronological order. We are confident that we have the faculty and curriculum to prepare these students to enter a wide variety of careers related to our mission (the study and promotion of exercise, fitness, and health) and to be successful and productive of our society as we enter the 21st century.

Progmmatic and Name Changes