Piper Legacy

Fontaine C. Piper arrived in Kirksville, MO, from New York City in pursuit of  a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1967.  Upon finishing his master's degree at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, he returned to Kirksville and after 34 years, Dr. Piper retired from Truman as Dean of the Division of Human Potential and Performance.

In addition to being a valued member of the HES faculty, Dr. Piper served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Natatorium Director, Director of the HES Program and Dean of Human Potential and Performance.  As HES Program Director, Dr. Piper was responsible for shifting the mission of the program from health and physical education preparation to health science and exercise science.

Dr. Piper's vision and leadership were critical in formulating what has recently been described as:

"exemplary for any and all undergraduate programs throughout our nation.  It should be considered a model program for undergraduate exercise science for all universities to emulate.  All departments in our exercise science discipline on a nationwide basis could utilize this curriculum as a template for future curricular planning.  The program should be ranked as one of the best in the nation for undergraduate exercise sciences."  -- McKeon, March 2002

Dr. Piper continues to maintain a very active schedule in his retirement traveling all over America in support of his work for the National Swimming Pool Foundation (who recently supported the Piper Lab with a $2,000 donation!) and presenting the research he didn't have time to complete while working at Truman.  Dr. Piper also continues to teach an on-line course (Medical Terminology) as a way of maintaining contact with Truman students and the HES Program.  He currently resides in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, which is located in the scenic Pocono Mountains.