Exercise Science at University of Illinois Springfield

05/11/2026

The EXR Faculty and Staff are proud to announce our 2025–26 EXR Programmatic Award and Honor Students! Congratulations to these outstanding students for their hard work, dedication, and achievements throughout their time in the Exercise Science program.

Carlos Pineda: Undergraduate Marshal – Exercise Science. Chatham, IL
-- Carlos is recognized as the 2026 Undergraduate Marshal for the Exercise Science program for his strong academic performance, dedication to healthcare, research experiences, and service to the community. Carlos plans to attend physical therapy school and pursue a career specializing in neurologic physical therapy.

Lillian Buzani: Outstanding EXR Student – Health & Fitness Track. Carol Stream, IL
-- Lillian is honored as the Outstanding Exercise Science Student in the Health & Fitness Track for her academic dedication, athletic accomplishments as a student-athlete, leadership, and extensive hands-on experiences through coaching and internships. Lillian plans to pursue a master’s degree in Athletic Training and hopes to positively impact future athletes and underserved communities.

Reagan Martyn: Outstanding EXR Student – Physical/Occupational Therapy Track. Rochester, IL
-- Reagan is recognized as the Outstanding Exercise Science Student in the Physical/Occupational Therapy Track for her academic excellence, involvement in the Exercise Science Organization, and commitment to service. Reagan will begin Bradley University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in May 2026.

Congratulations to all! 👏

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

So proud of our Exercise Science grads! 💙

Jadyn is making a real impact in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation—helping patients recover, build confidence, and stay active for life.

This is what Exercise Science is all about!

https://news.uillinois.edu/view/7815/2117980573

03/27/2026

EXR 329- Kinesiology and Biomechanics students learned how to analyze human gait in lab— now they’re ready to interpret 3D motion data.

Hands-on learning in action!

02/03/2026

Are you on the list?!

The Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2025 has been released! Do you know someone on the list?

➡️ View the full list: go.uis.edu/Fall25Deans

02/03/2026

Exciting things happening on Campus!

🚧 Construction Update 🚧

Major progress is happening on the construction of the new Library Commons building. The elevator shaft and main staircase are taking shape, and steel deliveries and crane activity are expected to begin later this month.

Scheduled to open in fall 2027, the Library Commons is a publicly funded project made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the State of Illinois. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot facility will be located between the Student Union and the Health Sciences Building on the UIS quad and will bring together library services, advising and academic support, career development and technology support in one student-centered space.

➡️ Learn more and watch the live we**am: uis.edu/library-commons

11/20/2025

🎉Big news for the field of Exercise Science and for our University of Illinois Springfield EXR community!👏

Medicare has officially approved coverage for standardized physical activity assessments beginning January 1, 2026. This national change strengthens the American College of Sports Medicine Exercise is Medicine movement and opens the door for better exercise referral pathways between health care providers and wellness professionals.

For students in Exercise Science, this is a major step forward. It means the skills you’re learning—assessment, behavior change, health education, and exercise prescription—will play an even larger role in the future of preventive care!

This decision helps:
• Elevate physical activity as a vital sign
• Bridge clinical care with lifestyle coaching
• Strengthen opportunities for exercise referrals
• Expand the impact of health & fitness professionals in patient care

A win for exercise science and health promotion… and an exciting moment for future professionals like YOU!

Learn more: https://acsm.org/medicare-physical-activity-assessments/

10/16/2025

Students in our Exercise Science Seminar course launched their first round of Hot Topic Debates this week, exploring real-world controversies in exercise and health.

This week’s topics included:
💪 “Creatine supplementation is essential for optimal athletic performance.”
🥗 “Processed foods and sugary beverages should be banned in schools to improve child health.”

Teams worked collaboratively to research, analyze evidence, and present their arguments, while classmates served as evaluators and questioners. These debates encourage critical thinking, professional communication, and evidence-based reasoning — essential skills for future health and fitness professionals.

A great start to the debate series — excellent work, EXR 483 student! 👏

09/13/2025

Thinking about a future in healthcare? 🩺 This week’s UIC "Nurse for a Day" event at UIS gave local high school students a look at nursing AND showed how Exercise Science can be another exciting route into the world of health and wellness careers! 💪

08/26/2025

🌲🚣‍♂️ Adventure is calling this fall with Campus Rec! Check out our trips and mark your calendars for registration:

🏄🏽‍♂️ Stand Up Paddleboards @ UIS Field Station | Sept 3, 11:20 AM - 1 PM | Reg. opens Aug 27 @ 9 AM
🏄🏽‍♂️ Stand Up Paddleboards @ UIS Field Station | Sept 4, 10 AM - noon | Reg. opens Aug 27 @ 9 AM
🥾 Hike at Lick Creek | Sept 5, 11 AM - 1 PM | Reg. opens Aug 25 @ 9 AM
🏄🏽‍♂️ Stand Up Paddleboards @ UIS Field Station | Sept 12, 10 AM - 12 PM | Reg. opens Sept 2 @ 9 AM
🛶 Kayak & Canoe @ UIS Field Station | Sept 13, 1-3 PM | Reg. opens Sept 2 @ 9 AM
🛶 Kayak & Canoe @ UIS Field Station | Sept 26, 2-4 PM | Reg. opens Sept 15 @ 9 AM
🛶 Kayak & Canoe @ Sugar Creek | Oct 4, 1-4 PM | Reg. opens Sept 22 @ 9 AM
🌙 Moonlight Kayak & Canoe @ UIS Field Station | Oct 6, 7-9:30 PM | Reg. opens Sept 22 @ 9 AM
🕯️ Candlelight Walk @ New Salem | Oct 18, time TBD | Reg. opens Sept 29 @ 9 AM
🧗‍♀️ Indoor Rock Climbing @ Upper Limits | Nov 15, time TBD | Reg. opens Oct 20 @ 9 AM

📍 Registration takes place at the TRAC Front Desk

✨ All trips are FREE (including equipment + transportation) except Indoor Rock Climbing, which has a $25 fee.

❗️Participants must register themselves - they cannot sign up friends.

📧 After registering, you’ll receive an email with additional trip details.