David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

⭐ David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

Falk College at Syracuse University shares in a legacy that spans a century. The Colleges and Schools that came before us have woven the values of human connection, civic service, and social justice into the very heart of Falk College, including Home Economics, Human Development, Human Services and Health Professions, Human Ecology, Nursing, and the School of Social Work. These same values shape and guide the College today.

In the words of social work alumnus Thomas Barnello G’19, the Falk College community shares a common belief that “service means more.” Building on a century-long academic and professional tradition embedded in social justice, Falk students challenge themselves to this higher standard of service, embracing a personal and professional responsibility to empower communities large and small, near and far.

We are deeply proud to share in the everlasting impact that our collective alumni have made in the world, alongside fellow Syracuse University alumni through the years. Together, they have been relief in times of need, change in times of injustice, and discovery in times of uncertainty—the very same things our students dream and strive to be. Thanks to alumni who paved the way for them, the good work continues.

It’s no surprise that our academic programs, too, have been shaped by programs that came before them: that sport management takes from the business-savvy consumer studies, marketing management, retailing; that nutrition, nutrition science, and food studies benefit from such programs as the dietetics coordinated program, food systems management, restaurant & food service management, hospitality & food service management, and home economics; that human development and family science, formerly child and family studies, incorporates competencies from the distributive education and early child education N-6 programs; while public health takes clinical knowledge from programs in nursing, as well as health and wellness; and finally that social work and marriage and family therapy build on strong foundations of family & community services and social science programs. What might surprise you is Syracuse University programs in fashion design/merchandising, clothing studies, textile design/clothing, interior design, environmental design, and selected studies, some of which endure today in other schools and colleges, have also made an appearance in the evolution of Falk College. Conversely, we’ve had programs that originated in other Syracuse University schools and colleges move to join us here in Falk College, such as our exercise science programs, which joined Falk College in 2020.

In 2011, David B. Falk ’72 and Rhonda S. Falk ’74 made a generous gift to the College of Human Ecology, and thus, it was renamed the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. And it is because of this treasured heritage of academic diversity that Falk students today engage in interdisciplinary work in the classroom, in research, and in the community. Indeed, true to its roots, Falk College is well-known for its groundbreaking work in these settings, and for engaging different perspectives for the benefit of our future. And students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all points in our history can celebrate in this success together.

As we look to the future, we are excited to see our collective impact continue. We hope you will share in each moment as we continue to write our legacy of educating the spirit of service that spans the generations.

The Falk College brings together Syracuse University’s professional programs in Exercise Science, Food Studies, Human Development and Family Science, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nutrition Science and Dietetics, Public Health, Sport Management and Social Work in an environment of cross-disciplinary teaching, research, practice and service. Through classroom learning and hands-on experience, our students learn by example-and by doing-to become professionals who will provide services that enhance the emotional and physical well-being of individuals, families, and communities.