Media Relations
William Woods University

Three seems to be a magic number for William Woods University's exercise science program. A very large banner stands in the Center of Human Performance hallway to display the academic program's recognized status.

The program achieved recognized status through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program. This is WWU's third three-year recognition.  

Anthony Lungstrum, chair of the human performance division, said in a nutshell it feels really good to receive the honor.  

"It helps show the level of a program we have. As far as receiving national recognition for any academic program, it says a lot about that academic program," he said.  

William Woods University is the only school in Missouri to have received this accreditation. Lungstrum explained that the recognition program is optional and not a requirement.  

It is, however, a benefit that students can boast freely about.  

Lungstrum said, "The recognized status provides our students with a degree that is designed to meet the objectives of the strength and conditioning association and is geared toward that certification test."  

Students are aware of the honor. They are encouraged to include the information on their resume to make it known to their potential employer, "and say 'hey, our program did have this recognition,'" Lungstrum said.  

He added, "Any time you have an academic program that has gone through some formalized recognition or accreditation process, it helps to take that program and put it a step above those that are not."  

Abbey Stock earned a Bachelor Science degree in exercise science from William Woods University in 2010. She received her certification through the American College of Sports Medicine, which can only be attained with a college degree.  

"Employers recognize this as an 'elite' status when applying for jobs, as well as it has an impact on pay rates," she said. 

With her degree, Stock plans to continue working in the wellness industry as a personal trainer and nutritionist and hopes to one day advance to a management position.  

The NSCA recognition program does have two more advantages for students and WWU’s exercise science program. NSCA gives $25 to William Woods for each student who registers for the certification test, while students receive a $25 discount simply for signing up to take the test.   

"That usually is a few students. We aren't making money off of this, but it's nice every once in a while to receive a small check," Lungstrum said.  

After all the commotion settles, the exercise science program plans to host workshops and clinics in partnership with Coach Bob Jones, coordinator of fitness and recreation.  

High school coaches and other strength and conditioning specialists, as well as prospective students, will be invited to sign up for these clinics. Both groups will receive continuing education hours.  

"That's in the works," Lungstrum said. "We are trying to figure out when we can accommodate this workshop in the weight room."                                                            

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CUTLINE: Abbey Stock works with Zach McDearmon. Both graduated with Bachelor Science degrees in exercise science from WWU.