Dr. Shari Jurgens

Associate Professor of Physical Education / Exercise Science; Department Chair

Education

Ph.D., Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, 2018
M.S., University of Illinois at Chicago, 2000
B.S., Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois, 1992

“Teaching people how to be physically active means healthier people and thriving, successful communities. We are commissioned by God to take care of our bodies, and being able to help our students understand how to motivate others to be physically active is part of fulfilling that calling.”

Dr. Shari Jurgens ’92 is passionate about encouraging her students and the wider community to make fitness and exercise not only a priority, but an activity that is enjoyable. “Physical activity in itself is important, but making it fun and habitual is even more important.”

What drew her to Trinity:

Since Jurgens graduated from Trinity in 1992, God has brought her back to the College in multiple positions over the years. Her roles have included assistant coaching, athletic training, adjunct teaching, and faculty. “I have the privilege of being able to teach about exercise and fitness, while also being able to incorporate that into our faith in God and our Christian worldview.”

Research interests:

Currently, Jurgens’ research interests revolve around physical activity within the college population. “I want to look at the impact that previous athletic participation has on current college student’s physical activity levels and what motivates them. Motivating them to continue to be physically active is important for their future lifestyle and health.”

When she’s not teaching:

Jurgens and her family, which includes a twin boy and girl, enjoy spending time outdoors camping, hiking, and exploring nature, and keeping busy playing various sports like soccer, basketball, and riding bikes.

Courses

CPR Certification
Drug/Chemical Use and Abuse
Exercise Physiology
Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
Lifetime Fitness and Wellness
Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries
Societal Issues in Sport and Wellness
Special Populations and Exercise Prescription
Strength Training Theory and Application
Structural Kinesiology

Organization and Administration of PE and Athletics
Motor Learning and Development
Physiology of Physical Activity
Team Sport Skills
Lifetime Fitness
Nutrition and Weight Management

Publications

  • National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE). New Orleans, LA. Jan 2023. “Teaching a Holistic Wellness Course As a Means of Coping With The Pandemic.”
  • Present – Kuyers-INCHE Conference, Calvin College. Grand Rapids, MI. October 2022. “Christianity and the Balanced Life”.
  • International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP), Garden City, NY. June 2019. Presentation on “Motivation to be Physically Active in College Students: Does Previous Physical Activity Make a Difference?”
  • National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE), Savannah, GA. Jan 2019. Poster presentation on “Motivation to be Physically Active in College Students: Does Previous Physical Activity Make a Difference?”

Practitioner-Level Publications

Jurgens, S. (2020) What Motivates us To be Well?. Christian Educators Journal. December.

Professional Society Memberships

National Athletic Trainers Association
Nation Strength and Conditioning Association

+ Expertise

Dr. Shari Jurgens ’92 is passionate about encouraging her students and the wider community to make fitness and exercise not only a priority, but an activity that is enjoyable. “Physical activity in itself is important, but making it fun and habitual is even more important.”

What drew her to Trinity:

Since Jurgens graduated from Trinity in 1992, God has brought her back to the College in multiple positions over the years. Her roles have included assistant coaching, athletic training, adjunct teaching, and faculty. “I have the privilege of being able to teach about exercise and fitness, while also being able to incorporate that into our faith in God and our Christian worldview.”

Research interests:

Currently, Jurgens’ research interests revolve around physical activity within the college population. “I want to look at the impact that previous athletic participation has on current college student’s physical activity levels and what motivates them. Motivating them to continue to be physically active is important for their future lifestyle and health.”

When she’s not teaching:

Jurgens and her family, which includes a twin boy and girl, enjoy spending time outdoors camping, hiking, and exploring nature, and keeping busy playing various sports like soccer, basketball, and riding bikes.

+ Courses, Publications & Research

Courses

CPR Certification
Drug/Chemical Use and Abuse
Exercise Physiology
Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
Lifetime Fitness and Wellness
Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries
Societal Issues in Sport and Wellness
Special Populations and Exercise Prescription
Strength Training Theory and Application
Structural Kinesiology

Organization and Administration of PE and Athletics
Motor Learning and Development
Physiology of Physical Activity
Team Sport Skills
Lifetime Fitness
Nutrition and Weight Management

Publications

  • National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE). New Orleans, LA. Jan 2023. “Teaching a Holistic Wellness Course As a Means of Coping With The Pandemic.”
  • Present – Kuyers-INCHE Conference, Calvin College. Grand Rapids, MI. October 2022. “Christianity and the Balanced Life”.
  • International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP), Garden City, NY. June 2019. Presentation on “Motivation to be Physically Active in College Students: Does Previous Physical Activity Make a Difference?”
  • National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE), Savannah, GA. Jan 2019. Poster presentation on “Motivation to be Physically Active in College Students: Does Previous Physical Activity Make a Difference?”

Practitioner-Level Publications

Jurgens, S. (2020) What Motivates us To be Well?. Christian Educators Journal. December.
+ Awards & Memberships

Professional Society Memberships

National Athletic Trainers Association
Nation Strength and Conditioning Association