Two Howard Payne University students recently passed American Council on Exercise (ACE) fitness certifications in group fitness and personal training. These competency-based certifications are considered “best practice,” and are professionally recognized in the fitness field.

Georgia Simmons, senior from Clarksville, passed the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification in December 2024. Devan Clower, senior from Brownwood, passed the ACE Personal Training Certification in May 2025. Both students completed a practicum in their respective fields and received practical training.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook in 2025, “strong demand for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors is expected to continue due to widespread participation in a variety of fitness classes and sizable membership at gyms and recreation centers or studios.”

“I am so proud of these two students’ efforts in passing these academically rigorous exams,” said Teresa Cavitt, assistant professor of kinesiology.

According to acefitness.org ACE “seeks to get people moving worldwide.” ACE certifications are accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies, “the widely-accepted gold standard for programs that certify professionals in many healthcare and fitness occupations.”

For more information about the Department of Kinesiology visit www.hputx.edu/kinesiology.