Alumni Testimonials
Alissah Battle-Reed, B.S., M.S. (Exercise Science, 2011)
Current Occupation: Sport Performance Coach at LifeBridge Health & Fitness, Operations Manager at Planned Parenthood
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? Studying Kinesiology opens doors to careers in healthcare, fitness, and wellness. With guidance from great professors and mentors, you gain expertise in human movement, injury prevention, and performance enhancement, while also exploring administrative and leadership roles in healthcare, from program management to operations.
Samantha Hernandez, B.S. (Exercise Science, 2020)
Current Occupation: Health Informatics Training Consultant
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? Our department may be small, but it is truly mighty and fiercely loyal to its students’ success and growth. The curriculum also provided me with a strong background in anatomy, kinesiology, and sports medicine. This background formed transferrable skills that I heavily depended on when I was an orthopedic technician at large orthopedic practice. The Department of Kinesiology at UMES will allow students to unlock their potential and become the version of themselves that always wanted.
Ashanti Hunter, B.S., M.S. (Exercise Science, 2011)
Current Occupation: Health Analyst for Maryland Department of Health
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? There are truly endless opportunities here! During my time in this department, I was able to complete a full paid internship at the prestigious Uniformed Services University, where I was exposed to high-level research and development. As a former member of the Exercise Science Club, I had the privilege of contributing to the creation of the National Walk Day initiatives in Princess Anne County which occurs every April of the year. Having these different opportunities has led me to what I do today in helping the community. HAWK PRIDE CATCH IT!!!!
Kiana Peterson, B.S., DPT (Exercise Science, 2019)
Current Occupation: Pediatric Physical Therapist
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? Choosing to study Kinesiology at University of Maryland Eastern Shore has been one of the most impactful decisions of my college journey. The program challenged me academically while also giving me hands-on experiences that prepared me for real-world opportunities in the healthcare profession. What makes the Kinesiology program at UMES truly special is the sense of community — the faculty genuinely care about your success, and the small class sizes create space for mentorship and growth. Beyond the classroom, I built lasting relationships with peers who share the same passion for health and athletics. UMES Kinesiology didn’t just prepare me for a career; it helped me grow as a leader, professional, and advocate for wellness in my community.
RJ Richards, B.S. (Sport Management, 2025)
Current Occupation: Athletic Recruiter for ASM Sports, Operator and Facility Keeper at Sports House
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? The Kinesiology Department is willing to go above and beyond for you and your dreams. They make your dreams into their dreams. The long-lasting relationships is priceless. If you want a rewarding experience with heartwarming professionals that will give you 110%, you won’t regret making your decision.
Seth Robinson, B.S., D.C. (Exercise Science, 2008)
Current Occupation: Chiropractor
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? I would encourage prospective students to explore the origins of the university and its earliest staff and students. Then, imagine that in another one hundred years, some young student’s dream of becoming a healthcare provider becomes more defined as they read of your accomplishments and choose to walk a path you tread through the beautiful grounds of UMES toward accomplishments of their own.
Kurtis Rogers, A.S., B.S., DPT (Exercise Science, 2019)
Current Occupation: Physical Therapist
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? There are various opportunities that are available through internships, learning from highly qualified professors/instructors, and experiencing the community atmosphere. The professors push you while offering support with encouraged office hours in every endeavor you decide to be involved in. The various outreach programs of the department build up the surrounding communities, and there are opportunities to learn from different health care professionals stemming from Kinesiology. For those reasons, I had invaluable experiences which I continue to cherish to this day.
Tina Thomas, B.S., M.S., DHA (Exercise Science, 2004)
Current Occupation: CEO of Express Yourself Fitness, LLC.
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? Students should choose UMES Kinesiology because it offers endless possibilities for growth, impact, and professional advancement. The program provides hands-on training from experienced experts in the field, along with meaningful visibility and exposure to real-world opportunities. Through a strength-based, science-driven approach, the UMES Kinesiology program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to transform lives and make a measurable difference across all sectors of the health and wellness field.
Darius Timmons, B.S. (Exercise Science, 2018)
Current Occupation: Director of College & Career Placement at Connexions
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? One of my best memories at UMES was the strong sense of community and support I experienced as a Kinesiology student. The relationships I built with professors and mentors helped shape me into the person I am today. I enjoyed being a part of the Healthy Hawk Walk. That event alone is a perfect representation of how family-oriented the Kinesiology department truly is and the impact the department has on the entire campus community.
Richard Warren Jr, B.S., M.S., Ed.D. (Exercise Science, 2011)
Current Occupation: Educator (2019 Maryland State Teacher of the Year)
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? UMES gives students more than a degree. It gives them direction. The kinesiology program combines hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and meaningful relationships with faculty who are invested in your success. Students are known, supported, and challenged to grow as professionals and leaders. Graduates leave not only career-ready, but confident in who they are and what they bring to their field.
Jordan White ATC, LAT, SPT (Exercise Science, 2021)
Current Occupation: Athletic Trainer
Why should you go to UMES Kinesiology? There are great professors in the department who want to see all their students succeed. They have helped me a lot on my journey whether it’s a letter of recommendation or challenging me in their class to be excellent. A new addition to the major is guaranteed seats in certain post graduate degree programs, and that is extremely impressive. I would have loved that opportunity to be presented to me as a student; not many programs offer that, and it is a great opportunity for our students to gain aid in very competitive fields.
