Our People
Karl Larson
Karl Larson, PhD, MCHES, is a Professor of Public Health and is dually appointed to the Master’s in Athletic Training program. Dr. Larson has lead the effort to build a presence for public health on the Gustavus campus and has served as the Program Director for the interdisciplinary program in public health since the program’s inception in 2018. Since his arrival at Gustavus in 2005, he has taught more than 20 different courses focusing on individual and population health including offerings such as stress management, sexuality, tai chi, youth coaching, as well as courses in public health programming, global health, behavioral theory, and epidemiology. Dr. Larson has served the campus community on numerous health related efforts and programs.
Professionally, Dr. Larson is nationally recognized as the “case study guy,” after designing and leading the National Case Study Competition in Health Education (NCSCHE), a role he has served in since 2006. He also has served as the president of the Minnesota Society for Public Health Education from 2015-2018, and has been the recipient of the Karen Denard Goldman Mentor Award (SOPHE), the Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer (New York Medical College), and has received the W.E Schaller Presidential Citation from Eta Sigma Gamma for his professional development work with college students. He is the author of four books including Consumer Health and Integrative Medicine and The Truth About Violence.
Student Organization
Gustavus Student Nurses' Association
Are you planning a career in nursing? We support future nurses by helping them build strong skills, learn about healthcare ethics, and grow into confident, responsible leaders. We also focus on self-care and wellness, offering fun and helpful events that support both the Gustavus campus and the surrounding community.
Event
Great Gustie Gathering: Family Weekend
Major/Minor
Sport Management
Majors/minors in Sport Management learn the business of professional, international, collegiate, youth, and community sport while developing the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the sport industry. Students consider questions related to ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion in sport. Sample courses and career paths here.
Major/Minor
Exercise Physiology
As an Exercise Physiology major, you'll gain the knowledge and skills for the management of health and fitness programs (in corporate and clinical settings), for personal training and other related careers, and for graduate study in exercise physiology and public health.
Major/Minor
Health and Physical Education
Health and Physical Education (HPE) majors prepare to work with people of all ages and in many movement-related settings. Those who complete a major in HPE with state teaching licensure are typically preparing for work in K-12 educational settings, such as in Physical Education (Phy Ed., P.E.), and coaching. Majors also pursue graduate study in kinesiology-related disciplines. See sample courses and careers here.
Signature Experience
It’s time to reimagine higher education and refocus on building the skills and understanding you’ll need to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. The Gustavus Signature Experience (SigX) is that change.
- Guaranteed experiential learning chosen by you
- The edge you’ll need for your résumé
- Personalized guidance and mentorship
- Up to $3,000 in additional aid for your SigX