Department of Physical Education

Opportunities for practical application of classroom learning abound in Denison's athletic training rooms

The physical education department provides students with the opportunities to gain knowledge and skills to help future generations improve their physical and mental well-being through programs of athletics, physical education, and recreation.

The Denison University Physical Education Center includes a wide range of facilities which are utilized by students for classes, research, athletics, and recreation. The teaching facility includes two electronic classrooms, a rehabilitation room, two cardio fitness rooms, and an athletic training room. In addition, students use the extensive athletic and recreation complex for classes, athletics, and recreation which includes the following indoor facilities: 4 tennis courts, a 200-meter competition track, 4 squash courts, 4 racquetball courts, 6 lane 25-yard competitive pool, weight room, 5 basketball courts, and 5 volleyball courts. The outside facilities include: an artificial turf field with lights, 6 lane 400-meter competition track, 12 tennis courts (6 with lights), platform tennis court, 2 sand volleyball courts, baseball/softball complex with lights, and 12 grass fields. Deeds Field-Piper Stadium currently serves as the home field for the Denison football, field hockey, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, and the men's and women's outdoor track and field teams. 

The Athletic Training Major

The athletic training major teaches students about the human body, how it is affected by pathological conditions and how it can be physically rehabilitated. Majors must complete a curriculum of required physical education courses and a biology course.

Athletic training majors have the option of applying for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP). Admission into the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is competitive and has stringent requirements. ATEP students are generally those individuals who are planning to pursue athletic training as a career. The American Medical Association recognizes athletic training as an allied health profession, whose mission is to enhance the quality of health care for individuals who are physically active by working closely with physicians and other allied health professionals. 

Denison University's Athletic Training Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

The Physical Education Major & Minor

The Department of Physical Education will be phasing out the major concentrations in Sport Management and Teaching of Physical Education, as well as the minor concentrations in Athletic Training, Sport Management and Coaching. Students that enrolled during the 2007-2008 academic year may declare these concentrations in the major or minor, but students enrolled after the spring of 2008 may no longer declare these major/minor concentrations.

What Do Our Majors Do After Denison?

Athletic training majors most often pursue careers in athletic training, usually going on first to obtain higher degrees in the field.

Many past majors in Physical Education have pursued graduate studies, while others have pursued careers in coaching, teaching, sports psychology,  corporate fitness, recreational fitness, sports information, or have secured a position in the business side of sports.

Who Are Our Professors?

• Professor and Chair Nan Carney-DeBord joined the faculty in 2011 and is the Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation. She earned a B.A. at Denison University and an M.A. at Kent State University.
• Associate Professor Mike Caravana joined the faculty in 2008 and teaches Contemporary Issues in Physical Education, Health and Sport. Caravana also serves as the head men's lacrosse coach. He earned a B.S. at University of Virginia and an M.B.S. from US Sports Academy.
• Associate Professor Mike Deegan joined the faculty in 2012 and is currently teaching physical education activity classes. Deegan also serves as the head baseball coach. He earned a B.A. and M.A. from Marietta College.
• Assistant Professor Mark FitzPatrick joined the faculty in 2011 and currently teaches Coaching Methods. FitzPatrick also serves as the head men’s and women’s track and field coach. He earned his B.A. from Fairfield University and an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse.
• Assistant Professor Bob Ghiloni joined the faculty in 2002 and currently teaches History and Philosophy of Physical Education, Health and Sport. Ghiloni also serves as the head men’s basketball coach. He earned a B.S. at Ohio State University and an M.S. at the University of Dayton.
• Assistant Professor Jack Hatem joined the faculty in 2010 and currently teaches Contemporary Issues in Physical Education, Health and Sport. Hatem also serves as the head football coach. He earned a B.S. at University of Rio Grande and an M.S. at Ohio University.
• Associate Professor Brian Hortz joined the faculty in 1995 and currently teaches Basic Athletic Training, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Psychology of Sport, Athletic Training Practicum, and Orthopedic Injury and Illness Assessment. Dr. Hortz also serves as the Head Athletic Trainer. He earned a B.A. at Denison University, an M.S. at Ohio University, and a Ph.D. at Ohio State University.
• Assistant Professor Sara Lee joined the faculty in 1989, is the Associate Athletic Director and currently teaches Women in Sport. She also serves as the head women's basketball coach. She earned a B.S. at Moorhead State University and an M.A. at Kent State University.
• Associate Professor Gail Murphy joined the faculty in 1997 and currently teaches Athletic Training Administration, and Organization and Administration of Physical Education and Sport. Murphy also serves as the head women's soccer coach. She earned a B.S. at the University of New Mexico and an M.S. at Smith College.
• Assistant Professor Tiffany Ozbun joined the faculty in 2007 and currently teaches Personal and Community Health. Ozbun also serves as the head softball coach. She earned a B.S. at Manchester College and an M.S. at the University of Louisville.
• Associate Professor Gregg Parini joined the faculty in 1987 and serves as the Assistant Athletic Director. Parini also serves as the head men’s and women’s swimming coach. In 2007, Parini received Denison's Charles A. Brickman Teaching Excellence Award, among the highest honors bestowed on a faculty member by the University. He earned a B.A. at Kenyon College and an M.A. at Michigan State University.
• Associate Professor Kristin Ramey joined the faculty in 2011 and currently teaches Fitness and Wellness. Ramey also serves as the head women’s lacrosse coach. She earned a B.A. and M.A. from McDaniel College.
• Assistant Professor Rob Russo joined the faculty in 1999 and currently teaches Coaching Methods. Russo also serves as the head men’s soccer coach. He earned a B.S. at Wilmington College and an M.A. at Miami University
• Associate Professor Lynn Schweizer joined the faculty in 1973, is the Senior Associate Athletic Director and currently teaches American Red Cross courses in CPR/AED/First Aid, Lifeguard Training and Water Safety Instructor. Schweizer also serves as the Director of Club and Intramural Sports. She earned a B.S. at Ohio University and an M.A. at Ohio State University
• Assistant Professor Lynsey Whisner joined the faculty in 2001 and is currently teaching Leadership Excellence. Whisner also serves as the head volleyball coach. She earned a B.A. at Capital University and an M.B.A. at Otterbein College.
• Associate Professor Eric Winters joined the faculty in 1992 and is currently teaching Applied Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Therapeutic Modalities, Athletic Training Practicum, and Therapeutic Exercise in Athletic Training. Dr. Winters also serves as the Director of the Athletic Training Education Program. He earned a B.A. at Otterbein College, an M.S. at Ohio University and a Ph.D. at Ohio State University.

More Information

For more information about the program and curriculum, go to the Course Catalog or contact:

Sara Lee, Physical Education Coordinator
Physical Education Center
Denison University
Granville, Ohio 43023

Phone:  (740) 587-6290
Fax:  (740) 587-6362
E-mail: lees@denison.edu