Sport, Recreation & Wellness

Theory, Practice and Personal Growth

Preparing you for professional and managerial positions in the sports, recreation and wellness industries.

Use your passion for sport, recreation, and wellness to benefit others.

Train athletes to reach their full fitness potential, manage a recreation program, or share the love of Christ through sports ministry. Theory, practice and personal growth are central to the program, which emphasizes a holistic approach to outdoor recreation and wellness that features community and service to others while cultivating Christ-like character.

Expert Faculty

All Sports, Recreation and Wellness faculty bring significance experience and professionalism to the learning environment with the goal of equipping you for lifelong success in the field as you cultivate Christ-like character.

Facilities

386 acres of farmland, 1,300 acres of campus that include miles of trails, and the state-of-the-art Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex

Highlander Wilderness Adventure

A 2 credit hour course available only to incoming freshman and transfer students, the Highlander Wilderness Adventure program is intended to be a catalyst for the Highlander process of growth, challenge, and discipleship.

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Careers in Sport, Recreation & Wellness

A Houghton degree opens doors to a variety of careers, and our alumni can be found working in a wide range of positions.

Sport, Recreation & Wellness

  • Camp administrator
  • Coach
  • Park and facility manager
  • Professional athlete
  • Professional instructor/guide
  • Public health specialist
  • Personal trainer
  • Health and wellness coach
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Adventure program facilitator
  • Sports facilities management
  • Athletic team chaplain

Equestrian

  • Barn manager and horse trainer
  • Equestrian instructor, trainer and competition coach
  • Equestrian program director at a year-round camp and conference center
  • Equine massage therapist at an equine rescue facility
  • Head of university dressage department
  • Para-Equestrian Olympic and Para-Equestrian World Equestrian Games coach
  • Sales/marketing manager for equestrian products company

Faculty & Staff

Andrea Boon

Assistant Professor of Recreation and Equestrian Studies
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Kaiden Bowers

Assistant Professor of Sport, Recreation, and Wellness; Assistant Director of EPIC Adventures
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Bill Galipault

Adjunct Instructor for Sport, Recreation & Wellness – Sports Ministry
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Kathie Hilsher

Adjunct Instructor for Equestrian Studies
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Mitch Liddick

Farm Manager
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Amy Long-Mount

Adjunct Instructor for Equestrian Studies
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Shera Moyer

Adjunct Instructor for Equestrian Studies
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Larissa Ries

Equestrian Program Director and Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies
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Molly Spear

Academic Departments Coordinator
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Laura Alexeichik Thayer

Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Sport, Recreation, & Wellness; Director, EPIC Adventures
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Hannah Williamson

Equestrian Events Program Coordinator and Program Assistant
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Paul Young

Dean of Education and Psychology; Dean of Management and Creative Arts; Professor of Psychology
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