Page 111 - TCNJ 50th Anniversary Gala
P. 111
Health and Exercise Science is the oldest department in the School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise
Science but it was not always part of this school. Heath and Exercise Science, HES, was founded in
1920 as a Physical Education Department to prepare teachers of physical education. The
department grew out of the Pierson Law enacted in 1917 to create physical training for students
throughout New Jersey. This weekly training required faculty to lead these classes. The teacher
preparation spanned 2 years starting with 20 students in 1920 and in 1924 the course of study lasted
3 years.
• In 1933, a Health and Physical Education Building was completed behind the Administration Building.
• By 1955, the course of study had expanded to 4 years and included health and physical education with 150 students and 10 faculty.
• By 1989, the Department encompassed five majors - health teaching and non-teaching, health and physical education teaching and
non-teaching and recreation.
