Hall of Excellence

Tracing its roots to 1896 with the establishment of the Department of Physical Culture, the University of Northern
Iowa’s programming in kinesiology, health and community services is among the oldest in the United States. Course work in physical education dates back to 1878, two years after the opening of what was then known as Iowa State Normal School.

In 1978, the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services was established, combining men’s and women’s health, physical education and recreation programs. At the time of the merger, Elinor A. Crawford, Ph.D., was the head of the Department of Physical Education for Women and William R. Thrall, Ph.D., served as the head of the Department of Physical Education for Men. Through their generosity, the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services Hall of Excellence was developed to recognize former graduates who had distinguished themselves professionally.

In 2016, the name changed to School of Kinesiology, Allied Health and Human Services. From 2018 to 2023, it was represented by the departments of Kinesiology and Health, Recreation and Community Services (HRCS). In 2023, the Department of Kinesiology and Athletic Training and the Department of Public Health, both in the new School of Health and Human Sciences in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, joined the Department of Health, Recreation and Community Services in the College of Education as sponsors. 

William R. Thrall

William R. Thrall served as the founding director of the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. Thrall came to the University of Northern Iowa as an assistant professor in 1960. From 1970 to 1979 he served as professor and head of the Department of Physical Education for Men. He holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse, an M.S. from the University of Colorado and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He served as president of IAHPERD. During his tenure as director of the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services, its basic organizational structure was created and the initial conceptual plans were established for the development of the Wellness/Recreation Center.

Elinor A. Crawford

Elinor A. Crawford served as professor and head of the Department of Physical Education for Women at the University of Northern Iowa from 1975 to 1979. Crawford came to the University of Northern Iowa in 1949 as an instructor. She received a B.A. and M.A. from University of California-Berkley and her Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. Active within the profession, she served as president of the Iowa Section of the American Camping Association, vice president of the General Division of IAHPERD and vice president of the American Association of University Professors. She was the first woman to be honored as chair of the University of Northern Iowa’s faculty and was coordinator of women’s athletics.