Dr. Benjamin Krings, assistant professor of health and human performance at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville since fall 2018, teaches courses in Physiology of Exercise, Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning and Fitness Evaluation and Prescription. The focus of his teaching is applying basic sciences in the format of labs and interaction with clients.
Krings earned his Ph.D. in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science from Mississippi State University, his Master of Science in exercise and sport science with a concentration in human performance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology with a concentration in health promotion from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
What brought you to UW-Platteville?
My goal was always to get back to Wisconsin and work in the UW System. I was lucky enough to have an opportunity with UW-Platteville open up during the final year of my Ph.D. Completing my undergraduate and master’s work taught me the importance of education from a UW school, and I always envisioned myself getting back here.
What do you enjoy most about working at UW-Platteville?
I enjoy working one-on-one with students and in small groups. The experience students receive at a Division III institution allows them to foster relationships with me and classmates. This ultimately improves their educational experience and prepares them for a job post undergraduate or to pursue graduate school.
Why is it important for UW-Platteville to offer the Health and Human Performance program?
The Health and Human Performance program is important to this university, because it provides students with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Now, this is something that every major on campus does, but HHP gives students the chance to improve the health and well-being of others. Health and performance are major factors in everyone’s daily lives, and our major directly teaches students how to positively influence others.
What unique opportunities can students expect to have available to them in this program?
Students can expect to get hands-on experience in working with other students and community members. Our majors give students the opportunity to directly apply what they are learning in lab each semester. This experience allows students to develop into professionals in this field and develop the people skills to effectively communicate with others.
Is there anything you wish more students knew about the program?
I wish students knew about all the different opportunities of our major. This includes all of the different things you get to do with our three emphases: exercise science, health promotion and physical education. Another aspect is all of the hands-on and applied learning you receive with a four-year degree with our major.