During the 1990s, Dean Tony Mobley played a pivotal role in expanding the School of Public Health’s global reach. Through strategic partnerships with leading international institutions - including the Beijing Institute of Physical Education, the Taiwan National College of Physical Education and Sports, and Victoria University of Technology in Australia - he elevated the school’s international presence and fostered meaningful academic collaboration. These connections helped position the school as a forward-thinking leader in global public health and education.
The photo depicts Dean Tony Mobley hosting President Yang and delegates from the Beijing Institute of Physical Education for a visit to the school and IU campus during the fall of 1990.
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Doc Counsilman
Doc Counsilman, Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology at Indiana University from 1957 to 1990, was a transformative figure in the world of swimming and sport science. Known for blending innovation with coaching excellence, he built IU into a powerhouse program, leading the men’s swimming and diving team to multiple NCAA championships and mentoring generations of elite athletes. His work helped elevate the role of science in athletics, introducing new techniques and training methods that reshaped competitive swimming.
Beyond the pool deck, Counsilman was a pioneer in applying research to human performance. He emphasized the importance of biomechanics, physiology, and data-driven training long before it became standard practice. His curiosity and commitment to innovation not only advanced IU’s kinesiology program but also influenced coaches and researchers across the globe, leaving a lasting imprint on the field.
Counsilman’s legacy is defined not only by championships and accolades, but by his dedication to student-athletes and the pursuit of excellence. His impact continues to resonate at Indiana University and throughout the swimming community, where his contributions to coaching, education, and sport science remain foundational to the way athletes train and compete today.
Image courtesy of IU Archives
The story of Bradford Woods begins in 1855, when Joseph and Martha Bradford settled on the land we know today as Indiana University’s beloved outdoor center. By the late 1800s, their sons—Perry, John, and Albert Bradford—discovered valuable sand on the property and built a thriving business supplying foundries across the region. As the enterprise grew, so did the family’s landholdings, eventually forming what is now Bradford Woods.
In 1937, with his brothers gone and no heirs to inherit the property, John Bradford made a remarkable decision: he deeded the land to Indiana University to be used in perpetuity as a safe place for children. That gift became the foundation for generations of learning, healing, and adventure.
The first camps launched in 1955, and from those early programs grew an internationally recognized leader in experiential outdoor education, therapeutic recreation, and summer camp programming. Today, Bradford Woods continues to embody the Bradford family’s legacy—providing transformative experiences in nature for children, families, and communities from around the world.
Image courtesy of IU Archives
The School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) began a defining chapter on July 1, 1946, when Willard Walter Patty—known as W.W. Patty—became our first dean. He was appointed by the Indiana University Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of President Herman B Wells, who recognized Patty’s vision for building a comprehensive school dedicated to health, physical education, and recreation.
During his tenure, Dean Patty established the full suite of academic programs that shaped the school’s foundation, including the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, director‑level programs, and doctoral degrees across all three core fields: Health and Safety, Physical Education, and Recreation. His leadership set the trajectory for the school’s growth and academic excellence for decades to come.
Image courtesy of IU Archives
The very first HPERDimensions newsletter was published in 1948, created to keep alumni connected to campus life, school updates, and one another. For decades, it served as a vital link between HPER and its graduates—sharing news, celebrating achievements, and preserving the spirit of our community across generations. A great example of something shared in the first edition is the winning Powder Puff football team, the “Revlons Roughnecks”! Today’s Dimensions continues that tradition, honoring the past while engaging alumni in new and meaningful ways.
Royer Pool (courtesy of IU Archives)
Royer Pool stands as one of the defining landmarks of our school’s history—a facility that helped propel Indiana University to Olympic victories and cemented a national reputation in swimming and aquatic excellence. What began as a home for world‑class athletes grew into a rich tradition of aquatic education, research, and community engagement. Today, that legacy lives on in our Water Safety Program, which continues the spirit of innovation, leadership, and service that Royer Pool inspired for generations.
