Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies

Health, Exercise and Sport Studies (HESS) is a flexible major that gives students the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a variety of careers along three basic tracks: health, exercise, and sport studies.

Susan Kennedy,Associate Professor, Chair of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies

Nan Carney-DeBord ’80,Associate Vice President, Director of Athletics, Professor

Marti Halm,Academic Administrative Assistant

Highlights

Big Red Athletics

Choose your Path The HESS major is powered by exceptional faculty, a culture of mentorship, real world experiences, and Denison's close proximity to Columbus.

Our Hess Major is Flexible

Spotlights

Exploring what it means to be an athletic trainer

HESS major Jay Branch ’24 is leveraging lots of opportunities to explore his future career.

Big Red swimmer’s winning attitude leads to medical research

John Stauffer's competitive spirit propelled his excellence in sports and the classroom.

Peter McManus ’20, pursuing doctorate in physical therapy

HESS graduate Peter McManus ’20 is at Northwestern University, pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

Q & A with Neal Austria ’20, athletic training at U. Michigan

HESS grad Neal Austria shares his journey to the University of Michigan's football program.

Photo of the 2015-16 Champion Big Red women's basketball team

Q & A with Val Province '19, clinical research coordinator

HESS grad Val Province shares her journey to the Cleveland Clinic as a clinical research coordinator.

Abby standing in front of Nationwide Arena

Abby Scully '21, event specialist with Columbus Blue Jackets

HESS grad Abby Scully shares her reflections on her directed study that led the way to her first job with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Photo of Maddox helping a football player

Q & A with Alison Maddox '19, athletic trainer with Arizona State

HESS grad Alison Maddox shares her path to become the athletic trainer for the Beach Volleyball Team at Arizona State University.

Denison Magazine

Pedagogy perfected

Denison's Teaching Seminar introduces relevant teaching topics, stimulates discussion within the group, and builds community for new faculty members.

Taka Higuchi '20 celebrating commencement

The Value of Empathy

As a patient care assistant in a children’s hospital Taka Higuchi ‘20 provides a welcoming and calming presence at the start of an anxiety-filled day.