February 2020   
A NOTE FROM THE DEAN
For nearly 75 years, our college has been grounded in a commitment to serve the greater good. While our college’s name has changed over the years, our roots have stayed the same. HHP provides nationally and internationally recognized education and research programs. HHP focuses on helping people protect, maintain and improve their health, fitness and quality of life. We are committed to winning the battle against addiction, improving life for those suffering from neurological, cardiovascular and muscular diseases, and spanning cultural divides through tourism and sport. HHP remains dedicated to advancing the way that we live, work, and play.

Our departments are made up of faculty who support an increasing on-campus and online student enrollment. We now count a total of 78 faculty among our ranks. We have grown to nine disciplines housed in four departments with Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management and Sport Management becoming independent departments this year. Above all, we rely on the support and dedication of our more than 20,000 alumni to maintain this momentum.

In this issue of Performance, we focus on the greater good — sharing stories about path-breaking research, amazing students, outstanding faculty and alumni. Whether you’re a retired PE teacher or a new alumna entering a medical residency, we hope you enjoy and feel proud of your alma mater and the path we’re on together to enrich our society.

Mike Reid
FEATURE STORIES
Shifting the Balance in the Fight Against Obesity

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than one-third of all Americans suffer from obesity. To fight this crisis, the American Heart Association and the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommend behavioral weight-loss treatment...
Getting a Better Picture of Chronic Pain

“If you can visualize it, we can make it better.” This is what associate professor of applied physiology and kinesiology Stephen Coombes, Ph.D., hopes that his research into movement pain will eventually be able to accomplish...
Linking Risk Perception and Travel Behavior

Annually, thousands of cruise passengers come down with illnesses or have accidents happen while on board. Researchers at HHP are learning how some passengers have used available knowledge to help prevent themselves from getting sick or hurt...
Student Profile: Francisco Marchi

As a cancer survivor and a witness to the struggles of others his age, Francisco Marchi was moved to tell the stories of young, palliative-care patients — to honor and highlight what matters most to them and their loved ones...
ALUMNI PROFILES

Known worldwide as a clutch performer in the men’s triple jump, Christian Taylor, two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion, will soon add a Bachelor of Science degree in the online sport management program to his long list of accomplishments. 

Unexpected tragedy and a life-changing adventure reaffirm HHP alum’s “attitude of gratitude.”

CONNECT WITH HHP
Check out the full 2019-20 Performance magazine, or peruse back issues:
>  > visit HHP.UFL.EDU

In the News

Upcoming Events

We Want to Hear Your News. Send us your update. We're always looking for good stories to share with The Gator Nation.

STAND UP AND HOLLER
Save the date: February 20, 2020 #AllForTheGators

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
As we celebrate the College of Health & Human Performance 75th anniversary in 2021, Dean Michael Reid asks you to consider a planned gift that will strengthen our college's future and influence generations to come. Our goal is to reach 75 planned gifts by 2021 – we're more than halfway there!

Learn how you can make an impact. Contact  Lesley Thurston.