UNK students ‘find their fit’ in health and physical education program

August 29, 2026 - 20:07

The health and physical education program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is drawing in students who want more than just a degree. They are looking for a community, hands-on learning, and a clear path to a career. The program, often called HPE by those in it, pairs strong faculty mentorship with practical experiences that start well before graduation.

Faculty members make a point of knowing students by name, not just as faces in a lecture hall. That personal attention helps students figure out which age group they want to work with and what setting fits them best, whether that is a traditional classroom, a community recreation center, or a school-based wellness program. Advisors work closely with each student to map out observations, teaching practicums, and student teaching placements.

Students say the real-world component is what sets the program apart. From early on, they are in local schools, watching how teachers manage a gym full of kids and how they adapt lessons for different skill levels. By the time they graduate, they have already planned and taught multiple lessons, run fitness assessments, and handled the daily logistics of a physical education class.

The program also covers health education, which is a growing part of the field. Students learn how to talk about nutrition, mental health, and personal safety in ways that make sense for young people. That mix of physical activity and health knowledge gives graduates a broader skill set when they start applying for jobs.

For many UNK students, the appeal is simple. They want a career where they can make a difference, and they feel ready to do that when they leave. The combination of close faculty guidance and repeated field experiences means they do not just learn the theory. They live it.