college of natural Sciences
Robert Carlson, dean

Spring 2004

Fit for the Mind

Getting yourself in shape is hard enough. But getting a whole academic program in shape is no less challenging. The kinesiology department did just that and now has joined a select group of 27 institutions around the country that have received an academic endorsement from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

The endorsement of Cal State’s bachelor of science in kinesiology/exercise science degree was one of two given by the ACSM to a California university. The other endorsement went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s kinesiology program. The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with more than 20,000 members dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.

Like Cal Poly’s program, CSUSB’s exercise science option has met the requirements for the ACSM University Connection Endorsement Program. “The endorsement tells students that this is a quality program. Students will be able to further their careers in exercise science in graduate school or a degree for certification,” said Bryan Haddock, an assistant professor of kinesiology at Cal State.

Haddock said CSUSB’s exercise science program is for students interested in obtaining a graduate degree, a teaching credential or pursuing a career in the fitness industry. The graduate program prepares students for professions such as a college trainer, physical therapist or cardiac rehabilitation therapist.

Robert Carlson, the dean of the university’s College of Natural Sciences, which houses the kinesiology department, called the ACSM’s endorsement recognition of an excellent program. “This sets us apart from other programs across the country. This is a big step to be recognized and takes us to an advanced level of sophistication,” Carlson said. “Our faculty and staff have worked hard to ensure we offer a quality and useful program for students.”

Space: The Final Top Tier

Set for completion late this year or in early 2005, the science annex building at CSUSB had the ceremonial final beam installed during a topping-out event held March 26. President Albert Karnig spoke to special guests and the university community about the importance of the new structure, particularly in the wake of the fall firestorm and new rounds of state budget cuts.

The 35,700 square feet of assignable space will bring new high-tech classrooms, labs, faculty offices, support facilities and a science museum to the College of Natural Sciences. Topping out ceremonies go back hundreds of years, marking that point at which the object under construction reached its final height. The tree on the beam signified birth and the flag the country to which builders pledged their loyalty.

Quick Takes

Richard Eberst, director of Community-University Partnerships (CUP) at Cal State San Bernardino, is the first faculty member from the 23-campus California State University system to be named recipient of the 2004 Ernest A. Lynton Award for Professional Service and Academic Outreach. The Lynton Award is annually presented to a U.S. educator who effectively and broadly incorporates his or her professional service and academic outreach into making significant contributions to improving the overall quality of life and health in a service region. Eberst’s efforts have led to major increases in the number of CSUSB faculty and students active in the San Bernardino/Riverside community and make a difference in the Southern California region. He’s only the third educator from California to win the Lynton Award.