We’re building a better world at the College of Applied Health Sciences.
AHS promotes health and well-being for all people through learning and engagement. We focus on optimal living across the lifespan and creating livable communities in a diverse society, and we aim to improve the wellness and quality of life for everyone, including those with disabilities. Our world-class facilities, expert scholars and researchers and hands-on curricula keep AHS at the forefront of research and scholarship that impacts lives globally.
Who We Are
History
The College of Applied Health Sciences dates back to 1895, when the University of Illinois established the Department of Physical Training for Men and the Department of Physical Training for Women. The College of Physical Education, later renamed the College of Applied Life Studies, formally began in 1957. It became the College of Applied Health Sciences in 2006. It is headquartered in Huff Hall on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana-Champaign.
The departments of physical training for men and women merged in 1972 as the Department of Physical Education, which was renamed the Department of Kinesiology in 1987. Studies in Community Health were formalized in 1957 with the founding of the Department of Health and Safety Information, later called the Department of Community Health. The programs in Community Health and Kinesiology merged in 2005 to become the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health. In August 2024, the department was renamed to Health and Kinesiology.
The department now known as the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism was founded in 1957 as the Department of Recreation. Renamed Department of Leisure Studies in 1975, it was given its current name in 2006.
The Department of Speech Correction, which had been affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since 1973, joined AHS as the Department of Speech and Hearing Science in 1991.
The college’s service units also have deep historical roots. Disability Resources and Educational Services traces its origins to Rehabilitation-Education Services, which was founded by Tim Nugent in 1948 as the world’s first comprehensive post-secondary program for students with disabilities. Beginning as a Galesburg campus experiment for World War II veterans, it pioneered early independence and athletic opportunities, paving the way for modern accessibility standards. The unit joined the College of Applied Life Studies, now known as the College of Applied Health Sciences, in 1962 and was renamed Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) in 2004. Through its pioneering work in accessibility, adapted athletics, accessible transportation and campus accommodations, DRES helped make Illinois a national leader in higher education for people with disabilities.
The Chez Veterans Center opened in 2015 as a comprehensive center for student Veterans and military-connected students and became one of the college’s major service units. Building on Illinois’ long history of serving Veterans, the center provides academic, counseling, transition and housing support. Originally known as the Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education, it was renamed the Chez Veterans Center in 2019.
Academics
Students are doing important work in AHS from their very first day on campus.
Research
Research at AHS focuses on improving the quality of people’s everyday lives.
Diversity
AHS’ goal is to help every student not just reach their goals, but exceed them.
DRES
Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) supports thousands of students with disabilities on campus.
Chez Veterans Center
The Chez Veterans Center provides resources and more for all student Veterans at the university.