"MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO" (a sound mind in a sound body) is the motto that was engraved on C. K. Preus Gymnasium, 1926-1961. The motto, displayed in the lobby of the Regents Center, continues to express the mission of the Health and Exercise Science Department at Luther College. As an academic department we are dedicated to providing an education that brings discipline to mind and body in the pursuit of knowledge and in the development of a healthy lifestyle. A central and unifying mission for the department is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals.

The Health and Exercise Science Department is committed to providing students with an instructional program of high quality that involves the discovery, interpretation, transmission and application of knowledge related to the disciplines within the department. We seek to provide experiences for students that will help them develop as individuals who will be able to evaluate and confront our changing society.

Goals

• To provide excellent undergraduate programs that effectively prepare students for graduate studies;
• To provide excellent undergraduate programs that effectively prepare students to enter a professional career in health education and promotion, exercise science or other health and fitness related fields;
• To facilitate student-faculty research;
• To enhance students’ written and oral communication skills.
• To offer skills classes that provide an opportunity to participate in lifetime physical activities that foster improved personal health, wellbeing and enjoyment.
• To prepare students with a sense of vocation who will provide leadership and service to their communities; and
• To provide mentoring which promotes life-long learning and the appreciation of a healthy lifestyle.