Health and Physical Education program receives highest score for Essential Employment Qualities certification

 

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University’s College of Education and Human Services proudly announces that its esteemed Health and Physical Education program has achieved Essential Employment Qualities (EEQ) certification, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to academic excellence.

The program's exemplary portfolio garnered unprecedented recognition, earning the highest overall score to date. Evaluated as the most comprehensive submission received, it shows Murray State's dedication to quality education and innovation.

The undergraduate program in Public and Community Health at Murray State University prepares students for careers in health and physical education related fields including teaching, parks and recreation, YMCAs, non-profits, coaching, fitness and wellness and many more. The program provides students with hands-on and experiential learning opportunities as a direct result of professional relationships with stakeholders.

According to the Certification Executive Summary, “The program is an example in developing students with the skills they will need to advance in the workplace and thrive in a career. The program is impressively dedicated to continuous improvement and instills that same spirit in its students.”

EEQ summarized how the curriculum ensures strong alignment between institutional, program and course learning outcomes with the Employability Framework, building career success. EEQ-centric practices are integrated throughout, emphasizing meaningful activities to prepare students for the workplace. Reflective exercises promote self-awareness, critical thinking and continuous improvement, empowering students to identify strengths, weaknesses, set goals and adapt skills for professional demands.

The summary concluded by saying, “The integration of career support services into the program requirements is exceptionally strong. Students are exposed early to career and work culture and can connect their academic learning with real-world career opportunities and are provided guidance and tools to navigate their chosen field effectively. They build practical skills, gain work-relevant experience and make informed decisions about their career paths.”

Dr. Kim Vigil: “Health and Physical Education is unique in that our reach is broad and diverse, to include PK-12 teaching, activities or program directors across the lifespan (both public and private), fitness and wellness, nutrition, green careers such as outdoor recreation, youth camps, parks departments and environmental programs, to name a few. EEQ certification truly encapsulates all that our program strives to accomplish with and for our students as they make their way into their respective career fields.”  

Dr. Kelly Rogers: “Our goal as HPE educators at Murray State is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact the health and wellness of their future PK - 12 students and community members they serve. Real world experience is invaluable in meeting this goal. QA Commons has given our program the opportunity to validate all that we have to offer our students in terms of experience. In addition, as faculty, we have used this unique opportunity to review our curriculum, policies, and goals to identify areas for improvement.”

The University now holds 11 EEQ certified academic programs across campus. The programs represent diverse disciplines, inclusive of both pre-professional fields of study and liberal arts. 

In 2021, Murray State became the first university in Kentucky to evaluate employability outcomes across each of its academic colleges and schools through The Quality Assurance Commons and its EEQ certification process. 

Murray State offers a total of 148 academic programs and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.