DEAN'S OFFICE

Dean

DEAN'S MESSAGE

Harmonious Essentials

The Stephen L. Richards Building is home to the College of Health and Human Performance wherein hangs a portrait of President Richards. Displayed below the picture is an excerpt from a speech of President Richards that has become an honored statement of philosophy:

“The human body is sacred—the veritable tabernacle of the divine spirit which inhabits it. It is a solemn duty of mankind to develop, protect, and preserve it from pollution, unnecessary wastage and weakness.” Stephen L. Richards

The College is comprised of four quite diverse departments. One of the many harmonious essentials that bring us together under the college umbrella is the value and respect we place on the human body. We are reminded in Moses 6:9 that “in the image of his own body, male and female created he them….”

As His children, we are created in the image of our divine Heavenly Father; we recognize the eternal nature of the magnificent temple we were privileged to acquire at birth. As a necessary step in our eternal progression, we needed a mortal body. “…for the day should come that they must be judged of their works, yea, even the works which were done by the temporal body in their days of probation.” 1 Nephi 15:32

The scientific study of physical body; individual and global health; family and community recreation for the body and mind; and the celebration of the body and soul through artistic creation and expression, broadly defines the four areas of inquiry within the college. Our 2000 plus majors are advancing the knowledge and application of these disciplines and taking their place as professional in an ever changing world.

Each of our departments is making remarkable progress. Results indicate greater commitment to demonstrated student learning outcomes and the success of professional preparation programs. Our strong committed faculty and highly motivated students realize that it is what we do that matters. Hence, in this issue, you will find many wonderful stories and experiences that have emerged---of lives changed and service rendered as a result of educational experiences in our four dynamic disciplines.

“…the spirit and the body are the soul of man.” D&C 88:15. To teach, to learn, and to study the miracle of the body and to impact the souls of Heavenly Father’s Children is to honor our creator.

We also appreciate those of you, our students, alumni, faculty, and friends who support the important initiatives, scholarships, research, and projects of our college. You also make an important difference.