Physical Education Department at Salem College

Team building at the ropes courseThe Physical Education Department strives to make a positive contribution to the general education of our students by focusing on improved physical fitness and the acquisition of essential health knowledge. We want our students to understand the basic physiological concepts related to Fitness and apply them to improve their cardiovascular efficiency, strength, and flexibility through various forms of exercise. We also help students understand basic nutrition principles so they can apply them for healthy dietary choices; and we provide our students with a variety of stress management techniques to help them cope with stress now and skills for the future.

We are dedicated to teaching a holistic approach to wellness and empowering our students by helping them develop skills, attitudes, beliefs and habits that will ultimately result in the highest possible level of health and wellness.

The Physical Education requirement is the completion of two terms, including a full-term course in Health and Wellness, normally to be taken during the freshman and sophomore years. Juniors and seniors may elect additional terms. Continuing education students are exempt from the physical education requirements but may elect to take activity courses. Participation in Salem College Dance Company for the year, plus performing in the spring concert, or participation on an intercollegiate team for one season, counts as one term of physical education.

Please visit the following pages for more information:

  Courses and Course Schedules
  Minor in Dance
  Facilities and Facility Schedules
  Photos of Fitness Classes and Workshops

See also: Athletics at Salem.

PE Department Faculty

* Heidi Echols Godfrey, Chair of Physical Education and Assistant Professor of Dance
* Karen Hixson, Adjunct Faculty
* Betsy Pryor, Aquatics Director
* Kim Fierke, Director of Athletics