Health and Human Performance
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Experience One engages students and faculty in actively exploring the knowledge, purposes, and practices in every field of study.
Students and faculty in the Health and Human Performance Department work together using Experience One hands-on learning experiences to explore a range of critical questions.
Ranging from how the human body functions during conditions of physical stress to how physical educators can create learning experiences that develop fundamental motor skills while improving health and fitness, our commitment to experiential learning is evident in each aspect of our curriculum.
Education majors work closely with K-12 students throughout their courses, exercise science students have access to cutting edge technology for use in class and during self-directed research, and students in both majors learn together during collaborative learning experiences developed by our outstanding faculty.
Faculty Feature
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Mitchell Stephenson, Ph.D
Mitch is a Michigan native that spent so much time driving to the mountains that he decided to move there! Academically he specializes in combining neurocognition and motor control theory in biomechanics research to reduce injury rates and enhance human performance. During his M.S. at the University of Wyoming and his Ph.D. at Iowa State University, Mitch also specialized in statistics, workplace ergonomics, and practical pedagogy.
INSTRUCTOR
Mikel Griffiths, MPE
Mikel is a Southern Idaho native and a 2008 graduate of Idaho State University. He spent time teaching at Idaho State University as well as Michigan State University before joining the University of Montana Western staff in 2012. In his free time, Mikel enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and golfing.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Janelle Handlos, Ed.D., ATC
My research focuses on the development and use of leadership and personal competencies in athletic training education programs and the practice of athletic training. I also serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the Montana Athletic Trainers’ Association and on the scholarship committee for the Northwest Athletic Trainers’ Association.
What Health and Human Performance Students Have to Say
“In the HHP Department, we are able to apply what we are learning to real-life situations.”
-TediJo Todd, Health and Human Performance
“The HHP Department has provided many hands-on learning experiences combined with lab work.”
-Taylor Canright, K-12 Physical Education
“The HHP faculty are very supportive and have provided me with several unique field experiences.”
-Brandon Piazzola, K-12 Physical Education
“I really like the professors, they are always there to answer any questions you may have.”
-Michelle Switzer, K-12 Physical Education