May 8, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE ENDORSES SRU’S EXERCISE SCIENCE PROGRAM

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – After a “careful and critical review” of the Exercise Science Program at Slippery Rock University, the American College of Sports Medicine has endorsed the program as part of its University Connection Endorsement Program. In a May 5 letter sent to SRU the ACSM stated that  “This curriculum covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an ACSM health/fitness instructor.”   

           The ACSM is one of the premier professional organizations for exercise science and sports medicine in the world, said SRU’s Dr. William Ryan, associate professor of exercise and rehabilitative sciences.

            “The endorsement adds more credibility to a signature program at The Rock and means the university can advertise the achievement to prospective students,” Ryan said. “Like an academic accreditation or a board certification for physicians, an endorsement adds prestige.  Prospective students should feel confident that SRU’s Exercise Science Program is one of the best in the country.”

           The ACSM examined curriculum, course descriptions, course syllabi and information about faculty.

           “This is an important accomplishment for our program,” says Dr. Susan Hannam, chair of SRU’s exercise and rehabilitative science department. “We have become a leader in this field.”  The Exercise Science Program at SRU has also been certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and was the first undergraduate Exercise Science program in the country to be accredited by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. 

           The program prepares students for careers as exercise physiologists, exercise/fitness specialists, personal trainers, and related areas as well as for graduate education in exercise physiology, medicine, physical therapy, and other allied health fields.

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