Fall 2023 Exercise Science Newsletter

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Department Chair Welcome

A new school year is here, and finally feels like a "normal" beginning. Students have moved in and are settling into the first week of classes. We are excited to be back on campus and teaching with our colleagues and students. The department continues to grow with students interested in all our majors. Departmentally, our enrollment is near the highest of all programs.

In the past year, we have had some changes in our faculty. Both Seth Clark and Katherine Matutes have moved on from MU to new ventures. Seth went back into coaching, and Katherine returned to the Indianapolis area. They will be missed.

New hires include MU alum Josh Brock as assistant professor of exercise science specializing in human performance. Josh's passion for MU over the years as a student, coach, and now assistant professor shines bright. He will direct all human performance students in the classroom, arrange internships, and prepare them for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist examination. We have yet to fill our RDN position but have great adjuncts teaching the fall courses and remain hopeful while our active search continues.

Josh Brock MA, MAE, CPT
Assistant Professor of Human Performance

Josh Brock returns to Manchester as an assistant professor of exercise science. A 2005 Manchester graduate, he holds a BS in business administration, an MA in English from Indiana University, and an MAE in educational leadership from Ball State. He also has a CPT from the American Council on Exercise. Before returning to Manchester, Brock spent nearly ten years teaching and coaching at the secondary and collegiate levels. His current research focuses on sports performance and velocity training while he pursues a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

In his spare time, he enjoys working out and training in the martial arts. A second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Brock enjoys both learning and teaching in these environments. In his quiet time, he enjoys learning, reading, writing, being outside and spending time with family and friends. He is also active with the Manchester baseball team as a volunteer assistant coach for the last several seasons.

Homecoming 2023

We are very excited for this Homecoming. As some know, Dr. Mark Huntington will be inducted into the Manchester Athletics Hall of Fame. Dr. Huntington recently retired from Manchester after 30+ years of teaching and service. We did not get to honor his retirement face-to-face due to the pandemic. We're pleased that the department will have the opportunity to celebrate the retirement and induction of our great friend and colleague.

Also, during Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 7, we will host an Exercise Science Department tent for our alums, colleagues and students. We will have drinks and snacks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. before the football game. The department and "Doc" Huntington will be around for good conversation and fellowship. We encourage anyone from the department, especially those who know "Doc," to stop by for a visit. We hope to see you all here on Oct. 7.

Master of Athletic Training

The Master of Athletic Training Department continues to thrive, and we are excited for a new year! Dr. Jeff Beer had taken an interim role as director of clinical education. We have also hired a fantastic new faculty member, Dr. Lark Welch, to round out the department. These changes are instrumental in our students' success, and we're poised for a bright future. New construction in Fort Wayne brings new facilities and opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration, and we continue to increase clinical sites each year, including potential international sites. As program director, Dr. Lucas Dargo pushes the program to new heights and strives for growth. Dr. Teresa DeLellis is a program staple with her knowledge and passion for pharmacy practice.

Dr. Lark Welch, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, CSCS Professor of Athletic Training

The International Sports Medicine course is heading to Australia in January, led by Dr. Jeffrey Beer. Students will fly into Sydney for half the visit while also visiting Cairns and the Gold Coast. Students are ready to go and we are excited. The trip will include lectures from medical professionals, sporting events, surfing, snorkeling, walking tours, collaboration and much more. These are valuable growth opportunities for our students both academically and personally. If ever interested in more information on our travels please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Dr. Lark Welch is a new full-time faculty member for the Master of Athletic Training Department. Formerly, Welch served on the faculties of the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., and Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., totaling over 21 years of teaching athletic training and sport and exercise science courses and curricula. Welch earned a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Northeastern University in Chicago and her Ph.D. in athletic training from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.

She has 30 years of clinical experience as an athletic trainer in high schools and outpatient rehabilitation clinics.

Welch has held offices and roles in the Illinois Athletic Training Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association (D4), ATI Physical Therapy Research and Development Committee, Lewis University Faculty Affairs Committee, the University of Mary Library Committee, the University of Mary Retention Committee, and the University of Mary Teaching Faculty Organization. She is currently involved in the North Dakota Athletic Training Association as the Council on Practice Advancement (COPA) chairperson, the NATA Professional Responsibility in Athletic Training (PRAT) workgroup on professional values, and the Illinois Center for Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation in Hinsdale, Ill.

Welch has been a member of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA) for 31 years and a board-certified member for 30 years. She has held National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification since 1997 and is a member of the NSCA. Research interests include injury prevention of the knee and hip, engaging students in the learning of athletic training, and exercise recovery outcomes. She has published articles on these topics and spoken at state and district conferences. Welch will teach in her areas of contemporary expertise, including therapeutic interventions, therapeutic modalities, primary care, sports performance enhancement, and research methods.

Study Away Opportunity

We're excited to announce the International Sports Medicine course is heading to Amsterdam, Germany and Barcelona in June 2024. Dr. Jeff Beer, once again, will take several students on this trip to Europe. Participants will fly into Amsterdam to visit the Body Worlds Plastination Expo and The Hague University for great lectures on culture, history and sport. From there, the group embarks to Cologne, Germany, for several days of events, lectures, and much more. The trip concludes in Barcelona, Spain, to enjoy culture, food, history, social gatherings and soccer stadiums.

Alumni are welcome to join these trips. For more information, contact Jeff Beer by email or phone. The first deposits are in December, with final payments due closer to flight time.

Connect with us! Please take this opportunity to update your profile and share your news with alumni and friends of the Exercise Science and Athletic Training program. In addition, please indicate your interest in participating with the University in other ways. (If you have already expressed your interests, there is no need to respond again unless your preferences have changed).