TSU Alumni Speaks About Kinesiology Graduate Program

TSU Alumni Speaks About Kinesiology Graduate Program

By: Rachel Cinquepalmi

     Previous Tarleton State University graduate and undergraduate student, Darryn Willougby, is currently working at Baylor University as an associate professor of exercise/muscle physiology and biochemistry in the Department of Health, Physical Performance, and Recreation. Willoughby is in charge of teaching classes such as Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology, Exercise Biochemistry, Exercise Endocrinology, Muscle Physiology Biochemistry, and Molecular Responses to Exercise. He also directs the Exercise and Biochemical Nutrition Laboratory, the Nutrition and Resistance Training Research Unit, as well as the Exercise and Healthy Aging Research Unit. 

     Willoughby received his TSU bachelor’s degree in Health and Fitness in 1986, and proceeded to receive his master’s from Tarleton in 1989. He believes that his education, experience, and professors at Tarleton led him to achieve the successful career he holds today. He specifically notes Dr. Gillespie as being one of his most influential professors and gives Gillespie credit for his success outside of Tarleton.

     “While working on my master’s degree Gillespie kept encouraging me to get into a Ph. D. program. His encouragement finally gave me the confidence to apply to Ph. D. programs. I owe so much to many of the TSU faculty, but far and away Dr. Gillespie has been one of the most impactful people in my life…so many of my accomplishments are a result of his guidance and mentoring,” says Willoughby.

     Willoughby believes that it is critical for prospective graduate students to desire to gain information on their own. He supports the idea of having a drive to learn without being forcefully given the knowledge from class or professors.

     “As an undergraduate, you are typically fed information by faculty and expected to ingest it. As a graduate student, you must now be ready to feed yourself and have an appetite for new knowledge that is hard to satisfy,” Willoughby states.

     While at Tarleton Willoughby cherished being a part of the Texan football team and was appreciative for the effort put forth in the Wisdom Gym weight room. He also enjoyed his time spent working on his master’s and is proud to say that he was the very first student in the history of TSU to complete a master’s thesis.