Tennessee Tech students gain national exposure at health and physical literacy summit
For the first time, Tennessee Tech University’s Department of Exercise Science sent a large group of undergraduate students to the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy’s Spring Summit, held this year in Orlando, Florida.
The theme of the conference was “Join Our Journey: Make Your Mark” — and Tech students did just that, networking with leaders in their field and representing the university on a national stage, said Christy Killman, who chairs Tech’s exercise science department.
In total, 20 Tech students — including one doctoral student, four master’s students and 15 undergraduates — traveled to the Sunshine State for the conference. They were joined by seven faculty members, all of whom presented.
“We put on our Tennessee Tech shirts, and we were everywhere,” Killman said. “It speaks volumes about how our faculty are preparing students to become professionals in this field and helping them build those connections early.”
The National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy is a leading organization focused on health, wellness, exercise science, sports medicine and inclusive physical activity, including adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities.
Killman said faculty members from the department have attended and presented at the summit for several years, but this year marked the first time they brought a large group of students.
Organizers initially expected about a dozen students to participate, but interest grew to 20.
“Just getting that many students to a national conference is a feat,” Killman said. “But they represented Tennessee Tech extremely well. They were attentive, professional and engaged in the sessions.”
Graduate students and faculty also contributed to the summit’s program. Doctoral student McKenna Day and instructor Katie Killman presented two sessions titled “Breaking Down Barriers: Confronting Misinformation in Health and Mental Wellness” and “Thriving Through Transition: Navigating Graduate School, Career Launch and Beyond.”
The latter session was particularly well received, and its presenters have been invited back for next year’s conference.
Undergraduate students also took active roles at the event, volunteering with conference operations as registration assistants and room liaisons while networking with students and professionals from universities across the country.
That networking quickly produced results. Killman said a colleague from an out-of-state institution was impressed after speaking with Tech students and later emailed to request that potential job opportunities at that campus be shared with Tech.
Undergraduate student Landon Baldwin also received national recognition, being invited to serve as a student member on the organization’s Council for Future Professionals.
Killman credited Christina Turnbow, who advises the department’s majors club, with helping organize the trip and coordinate the logistics required to bring such a large group of students to the conference. She also expressed appreciation to the university for helping fund students’ travel expenses.
For Killman, the experience reflects the department’s commitment to helping students develop beyond the classroom.
“Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom or even just on this beautiful campus,” she said. “It’s important for students to see what it means to be part of a broader professional community and to learn how to engage in their field.”
Killman added that health and physical literacy ultimately comes down to helping people better understand information about their own well-being.
“It’s about being able to take information about health and wellness, recognize valid sources and use that knowledge to make informed decisions for yourself and to help others do the same,” she said.
Following the success of this year’s trip, Killman said the department plans to continue involving students in national professional events, with next year’s summit scheduled for Kansas City.