UHV plans to start national kinesiology honor society chapter
The University of Houston-Victoria kinesiology program is still in its first semester, but that hasn’t stopped a group of students from taking steps to form an organization to promote physical fitness.
With the assistance of UHV Student Life & Services, the students have put together a petition to start a chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa. Once the petition is accepted, the national organization will schedule an induction ceremony at UHV.
Phi Epsilon Kappa is a professional fraternity for students engaged in or pursuing careers in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine and sports management. The organization promotes student research, charitable purposes, community service, and provides opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
“We are trying to promote the importance of an active, physical lifestyle on campus and in the community,” said Raymond Tucker, UHV assistant professor of kinesiology. “Once we get our chapter established, we will start holding events that encourage health and fitness.”
The UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development launched the Bachelor of Science in kinesiology program in August. Kinesiology is the study of human movement, and the program is preparing students to earn a Texas teaching certification in PE. The degree also can help lead to careers as a coach, trainer or strength coach.
Jennifer Sanchez, a senior from San Antonio, will serve as chapter president. Casey Waites, a sophomore from Bastrop, will be vice president. The budding organization is looking for additional members, Tucker said. There is a $15 initiation fee and annual dues are $20 a year.
The group is using the fall to get organized and then plans to start holding events in the spring, such as a 5K run.
Phi Epsilon Kappa publishes a journal, The Physical Educator, four times a year. Students can submit research articles. Students also are eligible to be nominated for various financial awards from the fraternity’s endowment.
“The society has many benefits,” Tucker said. “One of the most important is it encourages working with peers, which fosters lasting friendships and a feeling of mutual interest and responsibility.”
For more information about Phi Epsilon Kappa, contact Tucker at 361-570-4381 or TuckerR1@uhv.edu.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
