OLLU recognized as Exercise is Medicine Campus

OLLU recently earned the distinction as an Exercise is Medicine (EIM) campus through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

The distinction recognizes OLLU’s dedication to improving the health and wellness of the university community through education and physical activity. 

OLLU stands as the only EIM campus in San Antonio, a distinction that could boost enrollment in the Kinesiology program. 

“The EIM on campus designation, along with the Kinesiology program’s accreditation and $3 million Title V grant, will certainly attract students to OLLU,” said Emily Sauers, PhD, Associate Professor of Kinesiology. “We are making it clear that Kinesiology is building a strong foundation in San Antonio as a high-quality, rigorous program that aims to train and empower students to successfully pursue health-related professions that will inspire change in health and wellness in San Antonio.”

Kinesiology ranks among OLLU’s most popular majors with enrollment remaining high and steady over the past five years. “At a time when declining enrollment across most universities is a concern,” Dr. Sauers said, “we are proud that our enrollment continues to be strong and healthy.” 

The EIM designation will bolster a growing program. 

“We received this distinction because we realized that the activities that we have been planning through the Kinesiology Title V grant mirror the EIM mission,” Dr. Sauers said. “EIM on Campus allows Kinesiology students to serve the OLLU community while practicing professional skills to prepare them for future endeavors.”

Kinesiology student recognized as TACSM Major of the Year

Kinesiology major Madison Garza was recently recognized as the Texas American College of Sports Medicine (TACSM) Major of the Year at the TACSM Conference in Waco.

Garza and four other Kinesiology students – Natalie Esqueda, Adriana Guerrero, Dominique Boggs and Stephanie Tapia – participated in the conference on Feb. 22-23. 

The OLLU students were accompanied by Emily Sauers, PhD, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Michael Maspero, MS, Instructor in Kinesiology. 

OLLU receives $3 million Title V grant for Kinesiology program

OLLU has received a $3 million Title V grant from the U.S. Department of Education to enhance the Kinesiology program, the second largest major at the university. The project, “Transforming STEM Identity at OLLU: Advancing Kinesiology,” is designed to improve student performance and graduation rates.

The project will focus on student athletes. Seventy-eight percent of Kinesiology majors compete in OLLU athletics. 

“This grant will provide an opportunity for our students to graduate with real-world experience, certifications and research,” said project director Emily Sauers, PhD,  Associate Professor of Kinesiology. “Whether our students pursue graduate work or enter the workforce, they will be highly competitive candidates for any future endeavor.” 

The $3 million grant will be disbursed over five years and will focus on several equity-driven, evidence-based projects. Funds will be used to renovate the kinesiology lab, create a Women’s Metabolic Institute focused on cardiometabolic health in Latinas, and upgrade equipment to enhance experiential learning. 

“This grant is critical for Kinesiology,” Dr. Sauers said. “The implementation of new programs and infrastructure will put OLLU Kinesiology on the map.”

Dr. Sauers, students published study in international journal

Dr. Emily Sauers, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, and undergraduate students Madison Garza and Jennifer Estrada had a study published in the International Journal of Exercise Science Conference Proceedings.

The study is titled, “The Effects of Acute Fasting on Anaerobic Performance in NAIA Softball Players. The abstract can be viewed online.