GMercyU Welcomes New Program Coordinator for Exercise Science
Gwynedd Mercy University recently appointed Colin Pennington, PhD as Program Coordinator for its new Exercise Science program, set to launch Fall 2025.
Dr. Pennington has prior coordinating experience for kinesiology degree programs in Iowa, Texas, and New York City. He is a former coach and physical educator, as well as a certified personal trainer.
“I am so excited to join the GMercyU community and look forward to joining a University that has been a leader in healthcare education for more than 65 years,” Dr. Pennington said. “I am excited to lead the Exercise Science program and support students in their academic and personal endeavors.”
Dr. Pennington earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology-Sport Pedagogy and a Master of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning from the University of Texas at Arlington. He also holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Kinesiology-Sport Pedagogy with a concentration in Health Promotion from the University of Alabama.
Dr. Pennington conducts research focused on socialization in kinesiology, physical education teacher training, advancing movement opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and advocating for health and wellness. He also serves as an editor and peer-reviewer for multiple academic journals, has led initiatives aimed at the improvement of research productivity for university faculty, and consults for health and wellness programming.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pennington to the Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions. Dr. Pennington brings a breadth of knowledge in the areas of kinesiology and physical education, making him an exciting addition to our community as we look toward the future in educating future healthcare leaders in the new Frances M. Maguire Healthcare Innovation Center,” said Jane Tang, PhD, RN, NE-BC, Dean of the Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions.
GMercyU’s new Exercise Science program is set to launch in fall 2025 and be housed in the Frances M. Maguire ’55 Healthcare Innovation Center. Made possible by a transformational $10 million gift from the Maguire Foundation, the Frances M. Maguire '55 Healthcare Innovation Center (HIC) will be the largest academic building on GMercyU's campus when it opens in 2025. In the new 63,000-square-foot building, healthcare majors will collaborate with Social Work, Psychology, Computer Information Science, and students in many other majors as they learn to advocate for the "whole" patient.
Learn more by visiting the Exercise Science program page.