By Jordan Schools, Ph.D. 
When we look at what it means to perform and flourish, the line between the two can often be blurry. Human performance refers to the extent to which an individual or a group of individuals effectively and efficiently accomplishes a task, achieves a goal, or carries out a specific set of activities. It encompasses a wide range of abilities, skills, and behaviors that contribute to the successful execution of tasks or the attainment of desired outcomes. Human performance can be evaluated and measured in various domains such as cognitive performance (e.g., problem-solving, decision-making, memory), physical performance (e.g., strength, agility, endurance), and social performance (e.g., communication, teamwork, leadership).
Human flourishing refers to the state of thriving, prospering, and experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life. It is a holistic and multidimensional approach to well-being that goes beyond mere happiness or success. Human flourishing considers a person's overall well-being, growth, and pursuit of meaning and purpose.
While the concept of both human performance and flourishing are applicable to many fields, there are few areas where they become more visible than in the field of kinesiology. By examining individual capabilities, motivation, training, environmental conditions, and the use of technology and tools, we create opportunities for our students to meet the intersection of performance and human flourishing with great intentionality. At LeTourneau University, we understand that performance directly relates to broader conversations of faith, science, technology, because we see how a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our students' ability to excel in the classroom, but also equips them with the tools of our time to make meaningful contributions to the well-being and flourishing of individuals and communities they serve.
Student Flourishing
For a student to flourish in today’s world, they will need to be able to critically evaluate information and be able to discern how to implement the results in a myriad of ways. While AI is continually improving, it is not fool-proof and will still provide answers to questions that are factually incorrect. Students must be able to discern what is truth. They will be working in careers that will continue to implement new technologies, so they will need to learn to collaborate with other humans and with the available technology. While technology can be used for good or bad, our students will need to learn to use their technology more effectively and efficiently. It may seem like a waste to play games in the VR headset during a baseball game, but is it a waste if it is cultivating pitcher focus and engagement?
This research program will also help to develop our students as researchers. They will be developing their research skills that will carry over into their graduate studies or careers. Research is a valuable tool and is useful in many aspects; however, it is also useful to build basic skills such as analyzing and problem solving.
So, what does Kinesiology at The Christian Polytechnic University, look like? Many times, this looks like several students working with our student-athletes in the lab, putting on the VR headsets to run a program they have set out for skill acquisition, injury prevention, or injury rehab. These students are applying the knowledge they are learning and creating original research that is not only practical, but meaningful to the field. Through this research and the lab experiences we offer, we are bridging the gap between athletics and academia, allowing opportunities for our students to research in their field while also providing valuable data to athletics.
The VR research program has allowed multiple students each semester to design and conduct their own supervised study. These studies could focus on occupational therapy, physical therapy, skills acquisition, and sport psychology uses. With the new sport psychology undergraduate program beginning this Fall, we have been able to immediately apply some of the concepts that we are learning in class through the premier lab experiences that we are able to offer.
This past June, four Kinesiology students traveled to Rocklin, California, to attend a Christian Society for Kinesiology, Sport, and Leisure Studies conference. These students were able to present the research that we have been doing with VR. Building relationships in the classroom with students has helped to create an environment where our students feel confident to step out of their comfort zone and present their research to a group of complete strangers. By the end of the week, these students were networking and making connections that will help them as they continue their academic journeys.
As we continually build and expand our programs, we strive to pursue excellence. This means that no matter what, our goal is to be at the forefront of research and preparation within the Kinesiology department. LeTourneau University is dedicated to providing premier lab experiences. This commitment has been foundational to the Kinesiology Department’s lab experience that has already resulted in undergraduate research being submitted for publication. Additionally, it has led to numerous presentations at national and international conferences (CSKLS, the East Texas Research Conference, and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology). While attending the leading sport psychology conference this year, it brought me immense joy to see that The Christian Polytechnic University is leading the way in VR research. People who come to these sessions to hear about our VR research also hear about the intentional and meaningful connection between our faith and our work. They hear about how our faith informs the research that we are conducting. Sharing our faith with others is tied into everything we do, but this does not diminish the validity of our research. As we continue to teach and train the next generation of physical and occupational therapists, sport psychology consultants, mental performance trainers, athletic directors, and many other occupations within kinesiology, we are sending out our students ready to allow their faith to inform everything they do.
The Role of the Professor in Human Flourishing
In my biased opinion, few positions are as dynamic and fulfilling as that of a kinesiology professor. Beyond the conventional responsibilities of lecturing and grading, I have had the privilege of walking alongside my students throughout their educational journey and into their careers. In addition to providing a theory to practice approach to learning, I have the opportunity to cultivate vital connections, expose them to the research world, and empower them to integrate their faith into their future careers.
At the heart of our department’s approach to kinesiology education lies a deep commitment to building relational connections with our students. In a world increasingly marked by digital isolation, these connections are invaluable. Students often describe the kinesiology department as a family. This approach not only fosters a supportive learning environment but also cultivates lifelong connections between students and their peers and mentors.
Kinesiology is a multifaceted discipline that delves into the science of human performance and the intricacies of the human body. Then unique ability to convey the complex material in an engaging and understandable manner is a hallmark of our department. The passion that we have for the subject matter is infectious, and it ignites curiosity and enthusiasm in students. Through clear explanations and hands-on experiences, we are able to equip students with a 
deep understanding of kinesiology, preparing them for future success in the field.
In addition to our research and lab experiences, the kinesiology department at LETU is known for its distinct culture. It is a place where students are not just numbers but individuals with unique potential. The emphasis on relationships, understanding, and the integration of faith into professional practice sets this department apart, creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. This type of culture ultimately encourages human flourishing, in ways that are more than just professional success. It is rooted in holistic well-being and fulfilling relationships. The relational connections fostered in the classroom are instrumental in shaping students' lives beyond academia. One aspect of this type of flourishing comes by helping students integrate their faith into their careers. Kinesiology is not only a science but also a field that deals with the well-being and potential of individuals. We encourage our students to explore how their faith can inform and enrich their work, instilling in them a sense of purpose and a commitment. It is our responsibility, as professors, to embody the ideals of a holistic, relational, and faith-centered education. Their ability to build connections, impart understanding, and empower students to integrate their faith into their work is transformative.
Technology, Research, and Human Performance
In a world driven by technological advancements, the intersection of sports and cutting-edge technology has opened exciting opportunities for research. At LETU, the Kinesiology Department is at the forefront of exploring these possibilities through groundbreaking research in virtual reality (VR). In addition, collaboration with university athletics is paving the way for innovative focus training and mental performance enhancement, particularly within the realm of baseball.
Virtual reality has made a significant impact in the world of sports and kinesiology. VR technology immerses individuals in a simulated environment, allowing them to interact with it as though it were real. It uses special headsets and sensors to trick your senses into believing you're in a different place. The Kinesiology Department research team is harnessing this immersive power to enhance training and performance.
For athletes, precision and muscle memory are key. VR can simulate the exact conditions and scenarios they will encounter on the field, providing an ideal platform for training. This level of specificity is invaluable in the development of muscle memory. However, sports are not only about physical power; they also require quick and intelligent decision-making. VR can replicate game situations, forcing athletes to make split-second choices. This improves their cognitive abilities and prepares them for the unexpected, ensuring they remain calm and collected under pressure. In addition to skill enhancement, VR is being used for rehabilitation. Athletes recovering from injuries can use virtual reality to perform low-impact exercises that aid in their recovery without risking further harm. This technology helps athletes regain strength and confidence during the healing process.
The success of our research in this cutting-edge technology would not be possible without collaboration. The key to unlocking the deeper potential benefits of the tech of the future relies heavily on age-old truths; true success is found within community. The Kinesiology research team collaborates closely with the coaches and athletes within our campus athletic community. Together, we create tailor-made VR programs that cater to the specific needs and goals of each athlete. The collaboration between the Kinesiology and the Athletic Department is not just about conducting research; it is about ensuring the seamless integration of VR into the athletes' training routines. The synergy between the two departments ensures that LETU athletes receive personalized VR and mental training programs that enhance their skills, performance, and overall experience.
The collaboration produces both intangible and more measurable results. In addition to the VR training, the Kinesiology Research team has worked with the LETU Baseball team to increase mental performance and psychological resilience. By integrating focus training through neurofeedback, we have been able to provide a holistic approach to student-athlete development. Neurofeedback involves using real-time data from a person's brain activity, typically measured through sensors, to provide them with visual or auditory feedback within a virtual reality environment. This feedback can help individuals learn to control their brain activity and improve their cognitive or emotional states.
As we continue to explore the possibilities of VR, neurofeedback, and mental performance training, we can look forward to more opportunities to exemplify our commitment to innovation and excellence as The Christian Polytechnic University.
The Path Forward
In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, research opportunities are often likened to seeds of knowledge waiting to be nurtured. These opportunities can transform entire organizations, providing fertile ground for growth, innovation, and impactful contributions to our understanding of performance, excellence and even human flourishing. LeTourneau University has been truly blessed with an abundance of such opportunities. We have diligently strived to utilize the resources at our disposal, creating an environment that encourages both faculty and students to explore the uncharted territories of human performance.
The journey does not stop here. As we look to the future, we will continue our relentless pursuit of knowledge and real-world application. One of our exciting prospects is delving into the world of biofeedback research, theorized as a promising tool to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety through visual and auditory feedback. We are excited about the potential of what's to come and are committed to continuing pushing the boundaries of our understanding of human performance, making a lasting impact in our field, and, most importantly, living and learning together in a distinctly Christian context. New or emerging technology consistently captures the attention of scientists, educators, and the marketplace. However, the significance of the impact depends on how we decide to utilize such technology. This impact can commence by stepping up to the plate, even if it is a simulated one, and taking a swing. Occasionally, the swing connects, but even when it doesn’t, an opportunity has been engaged with - an opportunity to blend theory and practice to address real-world problems for the benefit of society and to the glory of God.
