By background of physical education, campus entertainment and intramural athletics can be tracked back to the first 1890's when Leader Seerley contended that the institution needed a gymnasium for "proper instructions of students in the laws and regulations relating to health insurance and life."
Since 1890, the educational university possessed utilized women faculty to instruct women students about "physical culture." In 1901, a Department of Physical Training for men was established. This department's objective was to oversee athletics also to instruct physical education to male students.
In 1970's to middle 1980's it became noticeable that current facilities weren't enough to meet up with the increased involvement in recreational programs with an evergrowing student populace. A needs examination was conducted in the middle 1980's and it was decided that additional academics and recreational facilities were needed.
At concerning this same time, the University of Northern Iowa's Wellness Advertising Program was made in the overdue 1980's by Dr. Elton Green, health education teacher in the ongoing health, Physical Education, and Entertainment Team. In its start, the program contains a few key fitness classes (including Aqua Lean and the Over 50 category) and infrequent noontime "brown tote meal" programs and other educational programs. As time passes, the scheduled program grew, Dr. Green retired, and an employee professional was chosen and designated responsibility to control and expand this program only.
In the first 1990's, Advertising was moved from Academics Affairs to Scholar and Educational Services and, over time, other personnel and program areas were added, along with new and existing personnel. Housed within University Health Services, including the Counseling Center, Disability Services and the learning student Health Clinic, collaboration among Health Services staff risen to more comprehensively serve the campus.
Through the first 90's, the Western Health club pool was an essential component of Wellness Advertising facilities, with the immensely popular Aqua Lean workout program. Pool depth and water temperature were suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels.
From 1890's to today, entertainment programs, services, and facilities have been growing for the students, faculty and personnel at the Iowa Normal College first, iowa Condition Instructors University then, the state of hawaii University of Iowa, to finally the University or college of North Iowa.
The WRS model is all natural in nature, providing programs and services in from health education to competitive athletics. WRS is 1 of 2 departments housed in the Wellness/Recreation Center (WRC). The WRC has a dual built-in function, allowing WRS to provide quality programs and services to the college or university community and offer an academic setting up for the institution of HPELS.