Human Physiology Department Hero
Human Physiology

Department History

1850 - 1900

1900 - 1950

1950 - 2000

2000 - Now


  •  
    1889

    FIRST UNIVERSITY OF OREGON GYMNASIUM BUILDING

    Men's Gymnasium

    The gymnasium is the third building constructed on campus. It was destroyed by a large fire in 1922.


  •  
    1894

    DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHED

    Joseph Wetherbee is named as first director of the new Physical Education Department. Joseph will go on to lead the first Track and Field team at the UO.

  •  
    1898 - 1906

    CHARLES BURDEN SERVES AS THE SECOND DIRECTOR OF PE

    Charles Burden
  •  
    1906 - 1907

    HUGO BEZDEK NAMED THIRD DIRECTOR

    Hugo Bezdek
  •  
    1907

    UO NAMES WILLIAM HAYWARD AS FOURTH DIRECTOR

    William Hayward

    The Grandfather of Oregon Track and Field, Bill Hayward remained a powerful force at the University of Oregon for 44 years.

  •  
    1920

    SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHED

    Dr. John Bovard

    The UO establishes the first school of Physical Education in the United States. Dr. John Bovard appointed as first Dean and Director.

  •  
    1936

    PHYSICAL EDUCATION BUILDING FINISHES CONSTRUCTION

    Physical Education building 2016 (now Esslinger Hall)

    Physical Education building 2016 (now Esslinger Hall)

  •  
    1937 - 1953

    RALPH LEIGHTON NAMED AS SECOND DEAN, SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

    Ralph Leighton

    Primarily responsible for the Oregon pioneer movement in the field of physical education. 

  •  
    1953 - 1973

    ARTHUR ESSLINGER BECOMES THIRD DEAN

    Arthur Esslinger
  •  
    1975

    THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION BUILDING IS RENAMED ESSLINGER HALL

    After Arthur Esslinger, Third Dean of the College of Health, Physical Education & Recreation 1953-1973

  •  
    1982

    DEPARTMENT NAME CHANGES TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HUMAN MOVEMENT STUDIES

  •  
    1990

    OREGON MEASURE 5 PASSES

    The significant loss of funding due to the measure results in the closure of the College of Health, PE and Rec.

  •  
    1991

    DEPARTMENT CHANGES ITS NAME TO EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT SCIENCE

    The department also moves under the umbrella of the College of Arts and Sciences.

  •  
    2004

    DEPARTMENT NAME CHANGED TO HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

    Department of Human Physiology wordmark
  •  
    2005

    ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMBER CORE FACILITY OPENS

    Environmental Chamber Core Facility

    The Evonuk Environmental Chamber Core opens for business under the direction of directors Dr. John Halliwill & Dr. Christopher Minson. The 12x12 facility is capable of simulating temperature, humidity and altitudes up to 18,000 feet. Named in honor of Dr. Eugene Evonuk, Director of the University of Oregon’s Applied Physiology Laboratory from 1967 to 1984.

    Evonuk Environmental Chamber Core

  •  
    2008

    THE BOWERMAN SPORTS SCIENCE CLINIC IS FOUNDED

    Bill Bowerman Statue

    The existing Human Physiology fitness testing program expanded with a partnership with Nike and the UO Athletics Department to become a flagship human performance facility located at the Bowerman Building located next to historic Hayward field.

    Bowerman Sports Science Clinic

  •  
    2022

    DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY TODAY

    Faculty Research
    • Faculty: 18
    • Lab Facilities: 18 
    • Undergraduates: 1100
    • Graduate Employees: 40
    • Research Employees: 7

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