Health and Human Performances (HHP) major and Donald A. Morris top graduate, Kiley Schneck, has been passionate about exercise science for over a decade. Before she was even in high school, Kiley knew what her calling was, and The University of Olivet was the place that helped her achieve her dream.
From Rochester Hills, Michigan, Kiley was a standout soccer player for Rochester High School. In her senior year, as a student-athlete looking to advance in her athletic career, Kiley took an overnight visit to The University of Olivet that left her feeling at home. “I knew Olivet was the fit for me. The friendliness of everyone at the college and community instantly attracted me to Olivet,” she said. “In addition to the welcoming atmosphere, it also had what I wanted to study, exercise science.” Not only could Kiley continue playing soccer, but she could begin pursuing her passion.
From a young age, Kiley’s experiences with physical therapy (PT) have pushed her closer to the profession and ignited a passion for helping others. At 11 years old, Kiley saw first-hand what PT could accomplish. “At that time, I was diagnosed with a condition called Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE), and I underwent surgery to have it corrected,” Kiley said. “I was absent from sports for six months and had to relearn how to walk. From that moment onwards, nothing came close to my passion for physical therapy.”
Kiley said that a quote was also one of the reasons she decided to pursue a career in exercise science: Medicine adds days to one’s life. Physical therapy adds quality within those days. “This quote resonated with me and is one of the reasons I aspire to become a PT. Physical therapy proves that movement is medicine and greatly affects one’s quality of life,” she said. “I want to be a part of a profession where not only interpersonal connections are made, but also intrapersonal ones are made – meaning the patient becoming one with both their mind and body.”
Kiley honed her skills at The University of Olivet, spending over 135 hours working in the college’s athletic training room alongside athletic trainers and Nova Care Physical Therapists. In addition, she spent time doing research with a Dynavision, a lightboard capable of performing reactionary tests, an idea initially presented to her by Professor Nancy Van Hoozier, Ph.D. “I was the first student in the HHP department to work with the Dynavision, and it served as a learning curve for the professors and me,” Kiley said. “As part of my research, I tested 12 athletes, seven who have had a concussion within the last two years and five who have never had a concussion. I hypothesized that the group who has never had a concussion would have a significantly better overall reaction time, peripheral vision reaction time (PVRT), and central vision reaction time (CVRT).” From this study, Kiley’s research abstract was accepted by the Michigan Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters (MASAL) and she virtually presented her research to other researchers.
Reflecting on her time as an HHP student, Kiley gives special thanks to professors Laura Barlond-Maas, KayDee Perry, Ed.D., and Nancy Van Hoozier, Ph.D., for their continued support in her growth and maturity as a student at The University of Olivet. “Without their continuous support, I wouldn’t have been immersed in any of the research or internship opportunities I had,” Kiley said. “I have always felt supported and wanted by my mentors and professors on campus.”
Kiley will be attending Oakland University this fall to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) and encourages students to follow in her path through HHP. “The field of HHP offers numerous opportunities in the world of athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritionist, strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, and so many others,” she said. “If you know you want to do something in the health and wellness field, any of the HHP courses will help you narrow your search to your forever job.” For Kylie, these opportunities helped her earn a physical therapy tech position at an outpatient neuro clinic after graduating from Olivet in May.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
This feature was written by senior Chad Enwright, Marketing and Multi-Media Student Associate. He is the Gillette Student Village apartment manager, member of the football team, president of Phi Beta Lambda and a business administration major who aspires to invent and operate his own high-tech, home security and automation business.