DSU College of Ed to become College of Education & Human Performance

April 29, 2024

The potential for growth in Dakota State University’s heritage mission of education is bringing about a name change.

Physical education has long been housed in the College of Education, and the complementary degree of exercise science began being offered in 1988 as the B.S. in Physical Health Management.

The name was changed to Exercise Science in 2002, and it is now the seventh largest major on campus, said Dr. David De Jong, Dean of the College. However, it has the potential to grow, given emerging technology in biomechanics, or the study of movement.

This specialization is tied to Artificial Intelligence with predictive analysis through video, and provides opportunities to expand into biomechanics and add new majors, so “we want to recognize this important program within the realm of exercise science,” he stated.

De Jong predicts this program of study will explode in the next 10 years, so “we are very excited to change the name from the College of Education to the College of Education & Human Performance because this represents an accurate depiction of where we want to grow the College.”

He added that faculty fully support the three pillars of the college, which are teaching preparation, exercise science, and leadership with esports. These pillars make the addition of the phrase “human performance” a good description.

Ben Witt, an Exercise Science/Biology double major from Burke, S.D., said the field is very exciting, particularly with the impact of emerging technologies.

“I think AI could have many applications in biomechanics and could be very helpful with injury prevention in the future,” he said. “I think with all of the technology advancements in the exercise science field will enable people working in our field to work more efficiently and effectively.”

Witt expects to graduate in fall 2026 and plans on becoming a physical therapist.