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Your Career Path
From teaching, to coaching, to health and fitness and more, the Department of Sport Professions is your ticket to a fulfilling career in keeping people moving. State-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty ensure you have the skills necessary to keep pace with an ever-growing industry, and to help others realize their full potential, both on and off the field.
Exercise Science and Human Performance
The Science of Wellness
The Exercise Science and Human Performance maajor focuses on the study of bodily movement and how health and healing can be affected by exercise and nutrition. The major will appeal to students with an interest in allied health, science (biology/chemistry) and the mechanics of human movement.

Available Majors, Minors and Concentrations
Major
Exercise Science and Human Performance
Minors
Sport Management
Coaching
Career Possibilities
- Exercise Physiologist
- Kinesiotherapist
- Exercise Specialist
- Fitness Trainer
- Sports Coach
- Fitness Instructor
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
- Fitness Center Manager
- Recreation Coordinator
- Sports Medicine**
- Physical Therapy**
- Biomechanics**
- Chiropractic**
- ** Additional study required
Overview
An Exercise Science degree from Newberry College will equip you with the knowledge and experience to work in the health and fitness industry or to further your education in graduate school. Exercise Science graduates are employed in a variety of fields in the health and fitness industry or in allied health fields, such kinesiotherapy or cardiac rehabilitation. Graduates also are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in allied health fields, such as Physical Therapy or Chiropractic.
Requirements
Exercise Science and Human Performance Major (65 hours)
In addition to the Newberry College Liberal Arts Core, Exercise Science and Human Performance majors are required to complete 65 credit hours, which includes 42 hours in Exercise Science courses, an internship approved by the program chair and 23 hours drawn from Biology, Chemistry and Math courses.
Minors
Sport Management
The Sport Management minor provides a comprehensive overview of the Sport Management field, from accounting and marketing to sport psychology and facility management. Students are required to complete 9 credit hours of required courses in Sport Management, one elective in Business Administration, and one elective in Communications.
Coaching
A minor in Coaching requires 16 credit hours in Physical Education and Sport Management courses.
Program News Coming Soon
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Rebekah Dixon
-
Assistant Professor of Sport Professions
Office: PE Complex 101
Office Phone: 803.947.2109
Email:
rebekah.dixon@newberry.eduBio:
Rebekah Dixon has been a member of the Newberry College Sport Professions faculty since 2004. She earned tenure in 2007 as an assistant professor in Sport Professions focusing on the academic major of Sport Management and… Read More
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John Lesaine
-
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
Office: Center for Student Success
Office Phone: 803-321-5123
Email:
John.Lesaine@Newberry.eduBio:
A native of Manning, SC and a Newberry College alumnus, Dr. Lesaine has taught in the Department of Sport Professions since August 2012. Before entering the classroom, he coached women’s basketball on the college level… Read More
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Download the 2018-2019 Academic Catalog
Download the 2017-2018 Academic Catalog
Download the Addendum to the 2017-2018 Academic Catalog
Download the 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
Download the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog

Physical Education
Keeping People Moving
You know wellness and fitness are instrumental for a healthy, happy life. Share your passion for keeping people moving, with a major in Physical Education. This versatile degree program opens worlds of opportunity in sports, fitness and education.

Available Majors, Minors and Concentrations
Majors
Physical Education with Leisure Services concentration
Physical Education with Teacher Education concentration (PK-12 certification)
Minor
Coaching
Career Possibilities
- Physical Education teacher (PK–12)
- Sports Coach
- Fitness Instructor
- Outdoor / Environmental Educator
- Event Coordinator
- Personal Trainer
- Camp Director
- Activities Director
- Intramural Sports Director
- Fitness Researcher
- Fitness Center Manager
- Parks and Recreation Director
- Community Center Director
- Membership Coordinator
Overview
The Department of Sport Professions offers majors in Physical Education and Sport Management, with minors and concentrations that add breadth and depth to your academic study. A required internship is designed to provide hands-on learning and networking opportunities that will benefit students after graduation.
Majors are expected to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior and become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. Sport Professions faculty bring extensive experience that helps them prepare students to be effective leaders. We emphasize applied learning, leadership and academic rigor through research, professionalism and active participation in campus life.
Requirements
Physical Education Major with Leisure Services Concentration (56 hours)
Physical Education majors with a concentration in Leisure Services are required to have 56 credit hours:
- 28 hours: Physical Education fundamentals
- 18 hours: Sport Management fundamentals
- 3 hours: Practical Media fundamentals
- 4 hours: Biology labs
- 3 hours: Sociology fundamentals
Physical Education Major with Teacher Education Concentration (73 hours)
Physical Education majors with a concentration in Teacher Education are required to have 73 credit hours:
- 39 hours: Physical Education core requirements
- 4 hours: Biology lab
- 33 hours: Education program fundamentals
In order to be certified for PK-12 education by the state of South Carolina, candidates must pass all required PRAXIS II series tests and meet all certification requirements. All candidates will complete a minimum of 108 hours of field experience in a public school prior to student teaching. Additional requirements for admittance to the Teacher Education Program and requirements for the internship can be found under the Teacher Education section.
Coaching Minor (16 hours)
A minor in Coaching requires 16 credit hours in Physical Education and Sport Management courses.
Alumni News
Jeanette Ergle got her 200th career win in Basketball coaching the Saluda Tigers. Jason Haltiwanger, coach of Richard Winn Academy, repeated the state championship win for SCISA in girls’ basketball.
-
Natasha Ferguson Dennison
-
Associate Professor of Sport Professions
Office: P.E. Complex 104
Office Phone: 803.321.3304
Email:
natasha.dennison@newberry.edu
-
-
Rebekah Dixon
-
Assistant Professor of Sport Professions
Office: PE Complex 101
Office Phone: 803.947.2109
Email:
rebekah.dixon@newberry.eduBio:
Rebekah Dixon has been a member of the Newberry College Sport Professions faculty since 2004. She earned tenure in 2007 as an assistant professor in Sport Professions focusing on the academic major of Sport Management and… Read More
-
-
Gretchen Haskett
-
Associate Professor of Sport Professions
Office: P.E. Complex 103
Office Phone: 803-321-5165
Email:
Gretchen.haskett@newberry.eduBio:
Gretchen Haskett is a South Carolina native and has worked in community recreation for 10 years. She has also served in multiple capacities at Newberry College under both Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. She was recognized as… Read More
-
-
John Lesaine
-
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
Office: Center for Student Success
Office Phone: 803-321-5123
Email:
John.Lesaine@Newberry.eduBio:
A native of Manning, SC and a Newberry College alumnus, Dr. Lesaine has taught in the Department of Sport Professions since August 2012. Before entering the classroom, he coached women’s basketball on the college level… Read More
-
-
Peggy Winder
-
Director of Diversity Education, Professor of Physical Education
Office: Keller Hall 206
Office Phone: 803-321-5161
Email:
peggy.winder@newberry.eduBio:
Dr. Peggy Barnes Winder is a native of Lancaster SC and was educated in the public school system of Lancaster County. A two-time NCSGA Professor of the Year recipient (2003 and 2012) and a 2011 recipient of the Grady L. Cooper award… Read More
-
Download the 2018-2019 Academic Catalog
Download the 2017-2018 Academic Catalog
Download the Addendum to the 2017-2018 Academic Catalog
Download the 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
Download the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog

Sport Management
The Business of Sport
A degree in Sport Management is ideal for people with an interest in sports but who may not wish to pursue a career playing sports. The Sport Management degree at Newberry College draws on a broad range of disciplines, including business, communications, mathematics and the social sciences to prepare students for successful careers in the sports and entertainment industry.

Available Majors, Minors and Concentrations
Major
Sport Management
Minor
Sport Management
Career Possibilities
- Arena/ Stadium Manager
- Athletic Academic Counselor
- Athletic Director
- Athletics Administrator
- Booster Club Coordinator
- Coach (Head / Assistant)
- Compliance Coordinator
- Commissioner
- Community Recreation Centers
- Conference Administration
- Campus Recreation
- Corporate Sales
- Parks and Recreation
- Equipment Manager
- Events Manager
- Game Operations
- General Manager
- Marketing Director
Overview
What do we do when we’re not working? We play! Our activities may vary widely by individual, but the time we spend on leisure, recreation and sport can amount to more than one-third of a person’s life. Considering the impact of leisure and sports on our lives, the opportunities for a sport management career are vast.
Sport Management is one of the fastest growing programs of study at a majority of colleges and universities in the United States. A degree in Sport Management can provide the knowledge and abilities needed to enter this multi-billion dollar (and growing) industry.
Requirements
Sport Management Major (57 hours)
Sport Management majors are required to take 57 credit hours:
- 27 hours: Sport Management fundamentals
- 12 hours: Accounting and Business courses
- 3 hours: Communications courses
- 9 hours: Economics and Mathematics courses
- 6 hours: Physical Education
Sport Management Minor (15 hours)
The Sport Management minor provides a comprehensive overview of the Sport Management field, from accounting and marketing to sport psychology and facility management. Students are required to complete 9 credit hours of required courses in Sport Management, one elective in Business Administration, and one elective in Communications.
Alumni News
Jeanette Ergle got her 200th career win in Basketball coaching the Saluda Tigers. Jason Haltiwanger, coach of Richard Winn Academy, repeated the state championship win for SCISA in girls’ basketball.
-
Natasha Ferguson Dennison
-
Associate Professor of Sport Professions
Office: P.E. Complex 104
Office Phone: 803.321.3304
Email:
natasha.dennison@newberry.edu
-
-
Rebekah Dixon
-
Assistant Professor of Sport Professions
Office: PE Complex 101
Office Phone: 803.947.2109
Email:
rebekah.dixon@newberry.eduBio:
Rebekah Dixon has been a member of the Newberry College Sport Professions faculty since 2004. She earned tenure in 2007 as an assistant professor in Sport Professions focusing on the academic major of Sport Management and… Read More
-
-
Gretchen Haskett
-
Associate Professor of Sport Professions
Office: P.E. Complex 103
Office Phone: 803-321-5165
Email:
Gretchen.haskett@newberry.eduBio:
Gretchen Haskett is a South Carolina native and has worked in community recreation for 10 years. She has also served in multiple capacities at Newberry College under both Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. She was recognized as… Read More
-
-
John Lesaine
-
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
Office: Center for Student Success
Office Phone: 803-321-5123
Email:
John.Lesaine@Newberry.eduBio:
A native of Manning, SC and a Newberry College alumnus, Dr. Lesaine has taught in the Department of Sport Professions since August 2012. Before entering the classroom, he coached women’s basketball on the college level… Read More
-
-
Peggy Winder
-
Director of Diversity Education, Professor of Physical Education
Office: Keller Hall 206
Office Phone: 803-321-5161
Email:
peggy.winder@newberry.eduBio:
Dr. Peggy Barnes Winder is a native of Lancaster SC and was educated in the public school system of Lancaster County. A two-time NCSGA Professor of the Year recipient (2003 and 2012) and a 2011 recipient of the Grady L. Cooper award… Read More
-
Download the 2018-2019 Academic Catalog
Download the 2017-2018 Academic Catalog
Download the Addendum to the 2017-2018 Academic Catalog
Download the 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
Download the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog
