Health and Human Performance

Two student engaged in a medical test

Health and Human Performance Department

UW-Superior’s Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) offers a range of programs that enable students to study physical education, public health, and exercise science. Students use these programs to launch careers in a variety of public and private settings in health and fitness fields, clinical exercise physiology, education and others. Programs also prepare students for graduate education. The department offers minors that are ideal complements to majors in early childhood, coaching, health education, and sports management.

A collaborative online Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management or a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Well-being is also offered through UW-Superior and the UW Extended Campus. These programs offer options for students with bachelor’s degrees who want to pursue graduate study as well as working adults who want to advance or change careers.

The professors are all very knowledgeable in the subjects they specialize in, and they do a great job of providing different ways of learning the material. Also, there are a lot of hands-on learning opportunities throughout the program.

Dante Bender, Exercise Science

The HHP Student Club is a great way for students in HHP programs to socialize, gain supplementary educational opportunities and attend conferences and events. Its goals are to:

  • Encourage student membership in professional associations throughout the HHP majors
  • Encourage and support local, regional, and national conference attendance by students
  • Promote student research and presentation of student research at meetings of professional associations
  • Encourage professional development for all members
  • Provide a social outlet for HHP majors
  • Promote collaboration and communication between HHP majors
Patient completing physical therapy with doctor

The Health and Human Performance Department is located within the Marcovich Wellness Center, which features modern classrooms, exercise and fitness areas, an indoor track, gym, pool and much more.

Interior of Kessler Lab

The Kessler Exercise Physiology Laboratory is a multifunctional exercise physiology lab where students learn and perform research and practice techniques related to their coursework and career goals.

Experiential learning opportunities are woven into the curriculum of all HHP programs and students are encouraged to take advantage of internships and Academic Service-Learning. Students conduct wellness and fitness assessments for their classmates and community members and have opportunities to conduct original undergraduate research.

Meet the Department

Brian Hakanson
Assistant Coach – Track and Field
Amy LaRue
Assistant Professor
Jay Johnson
Emeriti
Lisa Paulson
Teaching Assistant Professor
Shauna Maurer
Senior Lecturer
Sydny VanderVeen
Teaching Associate Professor
David Kroll
Assistant Professor Emeritus, Health and Human Performance
Lynne Deadrick
Assistant Director, Athletics
Robin Lisdahl
Lecturer, HHP
Danielle Schmitz
Teaching Associate Professor
Joseph Mooney
Senior Lecturer
Anthony Willette
Assistant Coach – Track and Field