The Department of Health and Human Physiology, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will soon be the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology.
The Iowa Board of Regents approved the change in February to take effect on July 1. The new name reflects Iowa’s leadership and national reputation in both human physiology, health sciences, and sport-related disciplines.
The Department of Health and Human Physiology is the largest undergraduate department at the university, with more than 2,400 students, along with more than 100 graduate students in master’s and PhD programs.
In addition to offering an array of health sciences programs, the department is also home to Sport and Recreation Management—the only program of its kind offered by a major public university in Iowa and consistently drawing students from across the state and nationally.
"This updated name reflects both the growth and the impact of this important department,” College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Sara Sanders said. “Our faculty are driving innovation in health sciences and sport management, while also preparing students to thrive in high-demand careers.”
The addition of “sport” in the name more accurately represents the broad range of faculty expertise and degree offerings, which includes human physiology, exercise science, health studies, health promotion, therapeutic recreation, child life, as well as a popular and well-regarded sport and recreation management program. Iowa continues to lead in these areas of study while also expanding its influence in emerging fields.
“The University of Iowa has long been renowned for our commitment to human health. Now, more than ever, our department is a vibrant place for advanced research and innovative education in human physiology, sport, and health sciences,” DEO and professor Gary Pierce said.
Health Sciences Academic Building will allow further collaboration, excellence
Along with the new $249 million, six-level Health Sciences Academic Building, the name change affirms Iowa’s commitment to attracting students passionate about these careers—and providing them unmatched education and experiential learning opportunities.
Substantial completion of the building is anticipated this year, with final completion in summer 2026. The facility will be a hub for innovative teaching and learning, community outreach, clinical services, experiential learning, health sciences research, and more.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is anticipated to move in late 2025, with the future Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology moving in mid 2026. The building will also be home to Carver College of Medicine's physical therapy and rehabilitation science department.
“Our students will have access to cutting-edge teaching and research labs where our faculty will prepare them to become the next generation of professionals in health, sport management, child life, and therapeutic recreation,” Pierce said.
New teaching spaces include an exercise training facility, food and nutrition science lab, and pediatric play lab. Students will also have access to new or expanded experiential learning spaces, including the Community Health Collaborative, a sport and recreation management podcasting and video studio, health coaching, and fitness studio.
“These changes position us even better to deliver the superb instruction, research opportunities, and experiential learning you can only find at a place like the University of Iowa,” Pierce said. “We're excited to carry this momentum into the next academic year and for the new opportunities it means for our students, faculty, and staff.”
Learn more about the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology.